In Memoriam: Brigadier General Edith P. Mitchell, MD, Worked to End Healthcare Disparities

Retired Brigadier General Edith P. Mitchell, MD, a medical oncologist who worked throughout her career to end healthcare disparities, passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 21, 2024.

“She was a dynamic trailblazer who leaves a rich legacy in health care, particularly in her efforts to broaden access for all,” says ASCP President Robert Goulart, MD, MASCP. “ASCP extends its deepest condolences to Dr. Mitchell’s family. We are honored that Dr. Mitchell accepted ASCP’s invitation to give the keynote address at our 2022 Annual Meeting. It was a powerful and memorable speech, very fitting for ASCP’s centennial anniversary. She was a remarkable physician leader.”

Dr. Mitchell served for 36 years in the United States Air Force, eventually becoming the first Black woman in the Missouri National Guard to be promoted to Brigadier General. She also served for many years as Thomas Jefferson University’s Director of the Center to Eliminate Cancer Disparities, Professor of Medicine and Medical Oncology, and the Enterprise Vice President for Cancer Disparities at Jefferson Health's Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, in Philadelphia, PA.

Dana Powell Baker, EdD, MBA, MS, MLS(ASCP)^CM, says she was deeply saddened to learn of Dr. Mitchell’s passing, adding, “She was a beloved health equity champion and renowned researcher. She inspired so many with her trailblazing contributions to medicine, and we will work to ensure that her legacy lives on,” says Dr. Baker, a past chair of the Council of Laboratory Professionals and current president of the Society of Black Pathologists.

“I recall hearing Dr. Mitchell’s powerful presentation during the Scientific General Session at the ASCP 2022 Annual Meeting,” Dr. Baker says. “In a packed auditorium, which included laboratory professionals and members of the Society of Black Pathologists, she reminded us to never forget where we were so that we could make tomorrow better. She advocated for the role of laboratory medicine in improving diagnoses and access to advanced diagnostic testing services for underserved patient populations. Dr. Mitchell emphasized that we cannot move forward without ensuring equitable opportunities in medicine for all.”

A native of Brownsville, Tennessee, Dr. Mitchell grew up during a time of racial segregation in the United States. As a result, her family did not have access to quality medical assistance, an experience that left a lasting impression. 

After she earned a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry from Tennessee State University, she went on to join the United States Air Force. While in the Air Force, she attended Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, where she was the only black female student. An internship and residency in internal medicine at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, followed. Dr. Mitchell went on to become a hematologist at Andrews Air Force Base.

Dr. Mitchell served as the 116th President of the National Medical Association and was appointed a member of the President's Cancer Panel from 2019-2023. She was selected for the National Cancer Institute's Blue Ribbon Panel to advise the National Cancer Advisory Board on then-Vice President Joe Biden's National Cancer Moonshot Initiative and the National Institutes of Health Council of Councils.

From that point her accomplishments grew to a record almost too long to list. She led a team of microbiologists in 1993 to help combat a flood in Missouri and Mississippi and helped provide safe drinking water and administer hepatitis vaccines. She was appointed Missouri Surgeon General, initiated a military women's health program, and took part in establishing guidelines for transporting sick or wounded soldiers in military aircraft. Dr. Mitchell has received many prestigious awards for her contributions to science and medicine.

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