Edith Peterson Mitchell’s Obituary

(1948-2024)

From the Medical Society of Eastern PA. 2024.

Dr. Edith Peterson Mitchell, a trailblazing figure in both the medical and military communities, ​passed away on January 21, 2024, at the age of 76. Her profound impact on oncology, cancer ​research, and health care disparities leaves an enduring legacy cherished by many.

Born in Brownsville, Tennessee, in 1948, Dr. Mitchell grew up during a time of racial segregation in ​the United States. Despite facing significant challenges due to racial tensions, she pursued higher ​education with determination.

After earning her Bachelor of Science in biochemistry from Tennessee State University, she joined ​the United States Air Force while attending VCU School of Medicine, where she was the only black ​female student.

Dr. Mitchell's illustrious career began with her service in the Air Force, where she rose through the ​ranks, eventually becoming the first female physician to attain the rank of Brigadier General.

Throughout her military career spanning 36 years, General Mitchell has been awarded over 15 ​military service medals and ribbons including the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Air ​Force Achievement and Commendation Medals, National Defense Service Medal, and ​Humanitarian Service Medal.

Transitioning to civilian life, Dr. Mitchell continued her mission of service by focusing on ​oncology and cancer research. Joining the faculty of Thomas Jefferson University, she became a ​clinical professor of medicine and medical oncology, dedicating herself to eliminating health ​disparities and advancing cancer care, particularly for underprivileged communities.

Her contributions to medicine were vast and impactful. Dr. Mitchell conducted groundbreaking ​research in breast, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers, paving the way for innovative treatments and ​therapeutic regimens. She was a prolific author, publishing over 100 articles and book chapters, ​and a respected mentor, guiding numerous aspiring medical professionals throughout her career.

Dr. Mitchell's dedication extended beyond the laboratory and clinic. She held leadership positions ​in prestigious medical associations, including serving as the 116th President of the National Medical ​Association. Her advocacy for health equity and minority representation in medicine earned her ​widespread recognition and numerous accolades, including the ASCO Humanitarian Award and ​Jefferson's Achievement Award in Medicine.

Because of her experience in the cancer research community, Dr. Mitchell was selected to serve as ​a member of the NCI’s Blue Ribbon Panel convened to advise the National Cancer Advisory Board ​on professionals throughout her career.

Dr. Mitchell's dedication extended beyond the laboratory and clinic. She held leadership positions ​in prestigious medical associations, including serving as the 116th President of the National Medical ​Association. Her advocacy for health equity and minority representation in medicine earned her ​widespread recognition and numerous accolades, including the ASCO Humanitarian Award and ​Jefferson's Achievement Award in Medicine.

Because of her experience in the cancer research community, Dr. Mitchell was selected to serve as ​a member of the NCI’s Blue Ribbon Panel convened to advise the National Cancer Advisory Board ​on Vice President Biden’s National Cancer Moonshot Initiative.

Her service to the African American community was broad and deep. Among many awards, she ​received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., was inducted ​into the National Historical Black College Hall of Fame and received the Octavius Valentine Catto ​Award for community service in the City of Philadelphia from the Mann Center.

Here in Philadelphia, Dr. Mitchell provided leadership and guidance to the Medical Society of ​Eastern PA, the local NMA affiliate and representative of Black Physicians. She served on our ​Executive committee, and provided Vice President Biden’s National Cancer Moonshot Initiative.

Her service to the African American community was broad and deep. Among many awards, she ​received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., was inducted ​into the National Historical Black College Hall of Fame and received the Octavius Valentine Catto ​Award for community service in the City of Philadelphia from the Mann Center.

Here in Philadelphia, Dr. Mitchell provided leadership and guidance to the Medical Society of ​Eastern PA, the local NMA affiliate and representative of Black Physicians. She served on our ​Executive committee, and provided unwavering support by leveraging her position as a Fellow of ​the College of Physicians and her leadership at Thomas Jefferson University to sustain the our 30 ​year Mercy-Douglass Lecture through the Covid19 pandemic. At the College of Physicians, she ​advocated to bring the history of Black Physicians to the attention of all Philadelphians where the ​Charter of the historical African American Hospital, the Mercy Douglass Hospital is displayed in ​the entrance hall.

In 2022 and 2023 Dr. Mitchell’s tremendous legacy was honored when Thomas Jefferson unveiled ​her portrait as the first Black Physician so honored, the Pennsylvania Medical Society commended ​her with the

unwavering support by leveraging her position as a Fellow of the College of Physicians and her ​leadership at Thomas Jefferson University to sustain the our 30 year Mercy-Douglass Lecture ​through the Covid19 pandemic. At the College of Physicians, she advocated to bring the history of ​Black Physicians to the attention of all Philadelphians where the Charter of the historical African ​American Hospital, the Mercy Douglass Hospital is displayed in the entrance hall.

In 2022 and 2023 Dr. Mitchell’s tremendous legacy was honored when Thomas Jefferson unveiled ​her portrait as the first Black Physician so honored, the Pennsylvania Medical Society commended ​her with the 2023 Distinguished Service Award, and MSEP was proud to have the incoming Mayor ​of Philadelphia, the Honorable Cherrelle Parker stand with Brigadier General Doctor Edith ​Mitchell to bask in the collective praise of her peers at the annual Gala, where Black Physicians and ​Black community together were able to applaud our collective achievements and look forward to ​addressing our future challenges.

In addition to her professional achievements, Dr. Mitchell was a devoted wife of 46 years to her ​husband Delmar. Her family remembers her as a nurturing presence and a source of unwavering ​support to her daughters, Dale and DeAnna, and a beloved grandmother.

We were all devastated to hear of the sudden loss of our fearless General, our Black Philadelphia ​“Physician in Chief”, our beloved Dr. Edith Mitchell.

Dr. Edith Peterson Mitchell leaves behind a profound legacy of service, compassion, and ​excellence.

Her pioneering spirit and tireless efforts to advance cancer research and eliminate health ​disparities will continue to inspire generations to come. She will be deeply missed by her family, ​colleagues, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.