Anna Epps

In 1930, Epps was born in New Orleans to Ernest Cherrie Sr., a physician, and Anna Cherrie, a former schoolteacher. She attended Corpus Christi Elementary School and Xavier University Preparatory High School, both Catholic schools in New Orleans. Epps started studying at Howard University when she was 16. In 1951, at age 19, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in zoology. Following her goal to become a physician, she applied to medical school at Howard University as well as Meharry Medical College. Epps was denied admission to both, however, attributed to her young age and gender. In 1966, Epps earned her doctoral degree in zoology from Howard University College of Medicine. == Research ==

Epps' early research at Howard focused on immunology, specifically the study of tropical and infectious diseases. Epps' research at Johns Hopkins, for which she was awarded a U.S. Public Health Service Faculty Research Fellowship, investigated immunology related to liver disease, stomach cancer, and alpha-1-fetoprotein. In 1993, Epps was commissioned by the Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences to write "Increasing Minority Participation in the Health Professions—The Problem of Under-representation and An Inventory and Analysis of Effective Strategies and Problems." ==Career==

Starting in 1953, Epps first worked as a technologist in the clinical laboratories of Our Lady of Mercy Hospital in Cincinnati and Flint Goodridge Hospital in New Orleans. In 1954, she became an instructor and acting head of the medical technology department Xavier University of Louisiana until 1961. It is a summer program intended to provide minority students interested in a career in the medical field with opportunities to learn about a career in medicine and prepare them to become competitive candidates for medical school. In 1975, Epps became the Director of Medicine at the Tulane Medical Center. In 1980, she was promoted to the assistant dean of student services. In 1997, Epps became the first female dean of the School of Medicine at Meharry Medical College. Epps spent sixty-two years working in medical education. Epps died in 2017 and was funeralized by Auxiliary Bishop Fernand Cheri III at the Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis in New Orleans. == Boards and committees ==

Epps held key appointments on boards and committees that reflected her commitment to improving the medical sciences for minorities. Epps served as a member of the Minority Health Advisory Committee for the Centers for Disease Control, Department of Health and Human Services and the National Board of Medical Examiners. Epps was also an emeritus member of the Georgetown University Board of Regents. == Awards and honors ==

In 1966, Epps was awarded a U.S. Public Health Service Faculty Research Fellowship while conducting research at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. ==Personal life==

Epps was married to Dr. Joseph M. Epps. She was Catholic. ==References==