LANHAM, Md. (CBSDC/WPGC) - One of the first successful open heart surgeries was performed by the first African American cardiologist, Dr. Daniel Hale Williams.

In 1893, Williams saved a stabbing victim’s life by repairing tears to the heart lining. This type of surgery had never been attempted before.

Williams is credited with founding Provident Hospital in Chicago 1891, which is considered the first black-owned and operated hospital in America. He was also appointed surgeon-in-chief at Freedmen’s hospital in D.C. from 1894-1898.

Check back all month for WPGC’s tribute to Black History Month.

99.1 WNEW’s Cheryl Simone contributed to this report