A Trailblazer in Medicine and Advocacy
Dr. Yvonnecris Smith Veal stands as a pioneering figure in the fields of medicine, advocacy, and leadership. Her remarkable career, spanning decades, has been defined by her commitment to improving healthcare access for African Americans, her dedication to occupational health, and her unwavering resolve to challenge systemic discrimination. Born in Ahoskie, North Carolina, in 1936, Dr. Veal’s journey began in a segregated society that presented significant barriers to African Americans seeking higher education and professional opportunities. Despite these challenges, she excelled academically, earning her bachelor’s degree magna cum laude from Hampton Institute (now Hampton University) in 1957. Her determination to pursue a career in medicine led her to the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond, where she became one of only five African American students enrolled at the time.
Dr. Veal’s medical school experience was marked by both achievement and adversity. Graduating in 1962, she faced the indignity of racially segregated graduation ceremonies—a stark reminder of the pervasive discrimination of the era. Reflecting on this experience, Dr. Veal remarked, “The black student graduates were invited only to their own separate baccalaureate and graduation exercises. That let me know that ‘the struggle certainly was not over.’” This reality fueled her decision to join the National Medical Association (NMA) immediately after completing her medical training, aligning herself with an organization dedicated to advocating for African American physicians and their patients.
Dr. Veal’s medical career began at Kings County Hospital Center in Brooklyn, New York, where she completed her internship, residency, and fellowship in pediatrics. She established a private practice while actively participating in the local NMA chapter, furthering her commitment to addressing healthcare disparities. In the 1970s, she broadened her scope of practice from pediatrics to general medicine and took on leadership roles in community health. She served as director of medical affairs at the East New York Neighborhood Family Care Center in 1975 and later as medical director of the Carter Community Health Center.
In 1984, Dr. Veal transitioned into occupational medicine when she began working as a contract physician for the U.S. Postal Service. Her expertise and leadership quickly propelled her through the ranks, culminating in her appointment as senior medical director for the New York metropolitan area in 1993. In this role, she became responsible for the occupational health and safety of over 80,000 Postal Service employees—a monumental task that grew even more complex following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
The events of 9/11 introduced unprecedented challenges to workplace safety across industries, and the Postal Service was no exception. Dr. Veal played a critical role in addressing these challenges, particularly during the anthrax threats of October 2001, which forced the closure of two facilities under her purview. “Hour by hour we were reevaluating and making changes in what should be done medically,” she explained. Her leadership during this crisis underscored her adaptability and commitment to protecting employee health. For her contributions, Dr. Veal was honored with the U.S. Postal Service National Medical Directors Award in both 1997 and 2002.
Dr. Veal’s influence extended beyond her professional roles into numerous organizations dedicated to advancing civil rights, healthcare equity, and community service. A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority since 1955, she served as president of the Queens Alumnae Chapter from 1980 to 1984. She is also affiliated with the National Council of Negro Women, the American Medical Association, the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, and the NAACP. In recognition of her contributions to social justice and community empowerment, she received the Mary McLeod Bethune Award from the National Council of Negro Women in 1996.
Dr. Veal’s leadership within the National Medical Association is particularly noteworthy. In 1989, she became the first woman to chair the association’s Board of Trustees. Six years later, in 1995, she was elected as the NMA’s 95th president—only the fourth woman to hold this position in its history. As president, she represented more than 25,000 African American physicians nationwide, advocating for equitable healthcare policies and resources for underserved communities. Throughout her illustrious career, Dr. Yvonnecris Smith Veal has exemplified resilience, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to justice. Her contributions to medicine and society have paved the way for future generations of African American physicians and leaders. Her story is one of triumph over adversity—a testament to what can be achieved through perseverance and an unwavering dedication to making a difference.