Dr. Justina L. Ford
The pioneering story of Colorado's first licensed African American female physician, known as "The Lady Doctor" of Five Points.
The Forging of a Healer
Born in 1871 in Knoxville, Illinois, to freed slaves, Justina L. Ford's path was shaped by a legacy of healing inherited from her mother, a nurse-midwife. Despite the era's systemic barriers, she graduated from Hering Medical College in Chicago in 1899.
Upon arriving in Denver in 1902, she was issued a medical license but was explicitly told by the examiner: "You've got two strikes against you... First of all, you're a lady, and second, you're colored."
Denied membership in medical societies and barred from hospitals, Dr. Ford established a legendary practice in her Five Points home, serving a diverse community of African Americans, poor whites, and immigrants who were often turned away elsewhere.
A Practice of Compassion
"One grandmother recalled her family turning to Dr. Ford because non-white patients were deeply skeptical of the care they would receive from white doctors in hospitals. She praised Dr. Ford as 'a very capable doctor and a great lady.'"
"The Martinez family considered her their primary physician. Their father paid for care by doing odd jobs at Dr. Ford's home. When their mother fell ill, she refused to go to a hospital, trusting only Dr. Ford."
Her Journey
1871 - Born
Justina Laurena Warren is born in Knoxville, Illinois.
1899 - Graduation
Graduates from Hering Medical College in Chicago.
1902 - The "Two Strikes"
Moves to Denver, receives license but denied hospital privileges.
1950 - Recognition
Finally granted membership in the Denver and Colorado Medical Societies.
1952 - Legacy
Dr. Ford passes away, leaving a legacy of service.