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Dr. Meta L. Christy was the first black osteopath in the world. She built a thriving
practice in Las Vegas, New Mexico in the 1930s, continuing until her death in 1968 at 73 years old.
Holistic Healing Essentials is located in the structure that was Dr. Christy's
home. The huge pine tree seen behind Elizabeth in her photos marks the northern corner of the property.
Biography
Meta Christy was born in October 1895 in Kokomo, Indiana to John and
Arminda Christy. She had two older brothers, Oran and Harley. Meta graduated from the Philadelphia College
of Osteopathic Medicine in 1921 as the first black osteopath. Oran encouraged his
sister in 1930 to start a practice in Las Vegas, where he worked for the railroad. Dr. Christy built three structures on a large lot near the Gallinas River in the
heart of Las Vegas. Two buildings were for patient care and one was her home. Dr. Christy grew herbs in the fertile garden
and was especially proud of her rose bushes, which bloom profusely to this day. Dr. Christy was presented the Distinguished Service Award by the New Mexico Osteopathic Medical Association
in 1956. At the time of her death in 1968, she was a member of a state health fact-finding committee, appointed by Governor
David F. Cargo. The Meta L. Christy award has been presented annually
for the past 15 years by the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine's Student National Medical Association. Their
top honor is given to alumni or faculty mentors "in recognition of the exemplary practice of osteopathic medicine, service
to the community and inspiration to future doctors of osteopathic medicine." Meta was not the only trailblazer in her family. In 1918, her cousin, Emma
Christy Baker, became the first African-American policewoman in Indianapolis, Indiana. Meta's uncle, Levi Christy, operated
an African-American newspaper, The World, in Indianapolis (P. Pearsey, March 2, 2010, email communication).
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| Meta L. Christy, DO, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Class of 1921 (Photo: PCOM) |
There is also a photograph of Dr. Christy
with her graduating
class in a book
written by Carol Benenson Perloff to
celebrate
the Philadelphia College of
Osteopathic Medicine's centennial. The
book
is entitled To Secure Merit: A
Century of Philadelphia College of
Osteopathic Medicine 1899-1999. Dr. Christy's
class photo can be viewed
on-line at the PCOM web site. Click
the
Digital Commons link, then the book title
link To Secure Merit, then Chapter 14:
Women and Minorities. She is the petite
woman in the center front row, page 117. Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
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