VCOM-Virginia had the honor and privilege to host Hilda Hutcherson, MD, as a part of the annual William G. Anderson Black History Month Speaker Series. A native of Tuskegee, Alabama, Dr. Hutcherson studied Biology at Stanford University. She received her medical training from Harvard Medical School and performed her medical internship at the University of California in San Francisco. She then completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Columbia University Medical Center in New York.
“In my first year at Stanford I had three things against me, I was black, I was poor, and I was a woman,” said Dr. Hutcherson.
Dr. Hutcherson is known to audiences for her monthly sexual health columns in Essence and Glamour magazines in which she provides advice and has emerged as a vocal advocate for women’s health empowerment through education. Her experience has made her a popular source for expert medical commentary for media outlets, including the magazines Heart and Soul, Cosmopolitan, Upscale, Allure, and Marie Claire. Black Enterprise Magazine recently named Dr. Hutcherson, one of America’s Leading Physicians.
When asked about the impact of having Dr. Hutcherson speak to the VCOM students, Jeanne Nwagwu, President of the Student National Medical Association (SNMA), said "In the medical community, there are very few people of color. To have someone with the notoriety like Dr. Hilda Hutcherson come and speak to our VCOM community meant everything. This was the first time she shared powerful stories about her life ranging from her direct connections to the Tuskeegee syphilis study to dealing with mental health issues in her journey of medicine. Not only was her story relatable to all members of the VCOM community, but it also showed how amazing the voices of people from diverse backgrounds are. As a young black woman aspiring to be a great physician, hearing stories from women like Dr. Hutcherson provides inspiration and strength to continue on this journey."
Dr. Hutcherson has written several books and articles aimed at helping others with their sexuality, health, and pregnancy concerns. Such as the popular book, What Your Mother Never Told You About S-E-X. A novel about the questions and concerns women (and men) have and more as she addresses every sexual matter that has an impact on the lives of women.