[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 115 (Monday, July 3, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E635]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING DR. CHARLES CRUTCHFIELD III

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, July 3, 2023

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a renowned 
Minnesota doctor who was taken from us much too soon. Dr. Charles 
Crutchfield III was just 62 years old when he passed, following a 2\1/
2\ year battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. His death is a deep and 
profound loss for his family, Minnesota's Black community, and our 
entire State.
  Charles was born in Minneapolis to a notable family of doctors. He 
attended Minnehaha Academy, graduated with honors in 1978, and attended 
Carleton College where he studied biology. He completed his medical 
education at Mayo Medical School in Rochester, Minnesota, and his 
dermatology residence at the University of Minnesota.
  A board-certified dermatologist for over 20 years, Charles was the 
first African-American dermatologist in Minnesota. He was selected as 
one of the top 10 dermatologists in the United States by Black 
Enterprise magazine and recognized by Minnesota Medicine as one of the 
100 Most Influential Healthcare leaders in Minnesota. He founded his 
own dermatology practice, Crutchfield Dermatology, in 2002. He served 
as President of the Minnesota Association of Black Physicians and was 
the team dermatologist for Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Wild, and 
Minnesota Vikings. But his pioneering work didn't stop with his own 
career, as he wrote regular articles for the Minnesota Spokesman-
Recorder focusing on health topics specifically pertinent to the Black 
community and recruited other Black physicians to contribute their own 
writing.
  Dr. Crutchfield's work to advance medical knowledge continued as a 
part-time teacher, holding positions of Clinical Professor of 
Dermatology at the University of Minnesota Medical School and Benedict 
Distinguished Visiting Professor of Biology at Carleton College. 
Additionally, his Crutchfield Dermatology Foundation created a 
lectureship focused on ethnic skin to educate medical residents about 
treating skin of color. Charles also mentored students of color to help 
them gain admission to medical school and become doctors, with the goal 
of increasing future diversity among medical providers. Even from his 
hospital bed, Charles continued to teach his Cutaneous Biology course 
remotely.
  During the COVID pandemic, Dr. Crutchfield used his ``Doctor's 
Advice'' column and significant community standing to educate the 
public about the disease, provide updates about the latest 
developments, and fight fear and misinformation about masks, social 
distancing and vaccinations. Charles employed his gift for 
communicating complex ideas in clear, concise language to save lives 
during a time of great challenge for our country.
  Charles had an impact on so many. He fought to save lives during his 
time on earth and will be greatly missed by his patients, friends, and 
family. Minnesota has lost a pioneering medical professional and a 
dedicated family man. A public Celebration of Life is currently being 
planned for later this summer. I extend my deepest condolences to 
Charles' family and my gratitude for all he has done to make our 
communities healthier.

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