Book Reviews Black US Hospitals

 TALLAHASSEE, FL – Nathaniel Wesley, Jr., a former Florida A&M University (FAMU) employee for more than 10 years, has published the book, “Black Hospitals in America: History, Contributions and Demise.” The book is a comprehensive review of the more than 500 black hospitals of the 20th century.

“After many years of study and research on this subject, I decided that I should put it all together and tell the story of the contributions and achievements of black hospitals in America,” said Wesley.

The chapters of the book are divided in a manner that makes for easy reading, according to Wesley. The first chapter attempts to respond to some of the academic questions and professional issues that surrounded the black hospital community over the years. Chapter two is the presentation of the black hospitals listing of more than 500 hospital facilities that have existed during the 20th century. Chapter three is the presentation of 50 articles and editorials from newspapers, magazines and journals addressing the challenges of black community hospitals. Chapter five is an accumulation of historic highlights and recognition of individuals and events that contributed to the achievements of black hospitals.

Wesley worked at FAMU from 1994 to 2006 as a faculty member in the School of Allied Health Science, as the associate director of the Institute of Public Health and the director of the Division of Health Care Management. He has been involved in the study and research of black hospitals in America since 1977, and has been a hospital administrator, health management consultant and advisor and counsel for professional development in the health profession.

Wesley is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a life member of the National Association of Health Services Executives. He received his bachelor’s degree from FAMU and a master of hospital administration degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich.