| He grew up in a poor family in the Washington, D.C. ghetto. His intelligence and athletic skill won him a scholarship to Amherst College, where he was the captain of the track team, starting running back for the football team, and an honors student. He eventually attended medical school and became interested in the field of medical research. Charles eventually became the chief of surgery at Freedman's Hospital in Washington, D.C. where his presence encouraged other African Americans to enter the field of medicine. He is best known for discovering the modern processes for preserving blood for transfusions. |
