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Top 20 Interesting Facts about Alexa Irene Canady

*Originally published by Norah M. in November 2022 , Updated by  Diane C in January 2024

Dr. Alexa Irene Canady was the first black woman to become a neurosurgeon, she broke gender and color barriers to reach her goal as a black woman. Canady was born in Lansing, she scored high goals in school, and she was discouraged from pursuing medicine but this did not stop her. Alexa was focused on becoming a neurosurgeon she was accepted as a surgical intern at Yale New Haven Hospital. Canady faced a lot of prejudice and dismissive backlash when pursuing her dreams, she specialized as a pediatric neurosurgeon and later become chief of neurosurgery at the children鈥檚 hospital in Michigan. Alexa Irene holds two honorary degrees a doctorate from the University of Detroit Mercy and a science degree from the University of Southern Connecticut.

Dr. Canady received various awards received the children鈥檚 hospital of Michigan鈥檚 teacher of the year award in 1984. Canady came from a privileged family, and though she still faced obstacles in her career and education she become the most successful African American woman through her dedication. Today she is 65 years old and not yet retired, currently working at Sacred Heart Medical Group in Pensacola Florida as a Pediatric neurosurgeon. Dr. Alexa鈥檚 parents taught her and her brother the importance of hard work and learning which helped her to graduate with honors from high school.

1. Canady was an exceptional student 

University by Dom Fou/

Born to Elizabeth Hortense Canady and Clinton Canady Jr, her father graduated from the School of Dentistry of Meharry Medical College her mother graduated from Fiasco University and was active in the civic affairs of Lansing. Canady was an exceptional student named National Achievement scholar in 1967. She received her MD from the University of Michigan graduating with distinction, she was elected into the Alpha Omega Honor society. Alexa trained as a neurosurgeon at the University of Minnesota under the guidance of Dr. Shelly Chou becoming the first female graduate. Later she trained as a pediatric neurosurgeon at the Children鈥檚 Hospital Philadelphia.

Canady began her residency in neurosurgery at the University of Minnesota, after her fellowship, she returned to her home state of Michigan and joined the neurosurgery department of Detroit鈥檚 Henry Ford Hospital. She was accepted as a surgical intern at Yale-New Haven Hospital and graduated from medical school in 1975. On her first day of residency at Yale, she recalls tending to her patients when one of the hospital鈥檚 top administrators passed through the ward and said, 鈥淥h, you must be our new equal-opportunity package. 鈥淎lexa became the chief of Neurosurgery at children鈥檚 hospital Michigan where she cared for young patients facing life-threatening illnesses. Regardless of her credentials her fellow white co-workers discriminated against her and threw racial words at her.

2. Dr. Canady was the first African American neurosurgeon 

Dr. Canady became the first African American neurosurgeon woman in the United States, she is famously quoted 鈥淭he greatest challenge I faced in becoming a neurosurgeon was believing it was possible鈥�. Dr. Canady decided to specialize as a Pediatric neurosurgeon, becoming the first African-American and the first woman to do so. She started practicing for a short time at the Henry Ford Hospital before been a director at Michigan. Dr. Alexa became the director of neurosurgery at Children鈥檚 Hospital in Detroit and a Clinical Associate professor at Wayne State University. She specialized in Craniofacial abnormalities, Epilepsy, Hydrocephalus, and Tumor of the Spinal cord and brain. In her position as a director, she worked hard to change the perspective of how black patients and physicians were treated.

Alexa Canady wanted to change the world and diversity medical education to cater to both blacks and whites, she made sure to do research on medical problems that affected the black community. She conducted research until her retirement, and throughout her career, she has been promoted countless times due to her talent. Canady was certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery in 1984 to teach at Wayne University.

3. Dr. Alexa Canady Awards and Achievements

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Dr. Alexa being the only first African American woman to be Neurosurgeon was recognized for her astonishing talent. She was inducted into the Michigan Women鈥檚 Hall of fame; she received the American Medical Women鈥檚 Association President鈥檚 award. Dr. Canady is known for mentoring young people by speaking at high schools in the Pensacola area, hoping her accomplishments will inspire the dreams of a younger generation.

1994 she received the Distinguished Service Award from Wayne State University Medical School. Detroit named her Dr. Canady Michiganer of the year, her career has been an inspiration to countless young people that are passionate about neurosurgery. She was about to quit college studying math鈥檚 describing a 鈥楥risis of confidence鈥�. She holds two to three honorary degrees; she taught so many students who changed the lives of so many people. She received a Candace Award from the National Coalition of 100 Black Women in 1986.

4. She faced discrimination and racism

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Like any African American woman who made a name for themselves in the 19^th Century discrimination and racism was an obstacle to many, but these challenges did not stop any of the from achieving their goals and making a difference in the World. Dr. Canady faced discouragement from her advisers when she followed her dreams of medicine. Being the first Black woman to become a neurosurgeon inspiring many young people, she was almost quite college to study math鈥檚 she lacked the confidence but she pulled through and applied for a minority scholarship with the University of Michigan. As a surgical intern, she faced prejudice from her superiors throughout her career. Dr. Alexa tried her best to make a difference in her field ensuring that patients were open and free with her and this shaped her career and made her an icon among young people.

5. Dr. Canady married George Davis

Marriage by Sandy Miller

Dr. Alexa Irene Canady did not only achieve Academic achievements, or made it in her career as the first Black woman to be a neurosurgeon. The year after becoming the chief neurosurgeon Alexa married George Davis a recruiter for the United States Navy. Despite Detroit’s rampant racial discrimination and poverty impacting many children, Dr. Canady dedicated herself tirelessly to the development of an organization and well-developed pediatric neurosurgical program with the aim of offering the highest level of care to the children of the Detroit Community. It is not said if she has children of her own but she cared a lot about the children in Detroit, she was passionate about providing patients with medical access to excellent care regardless if they could afford it or not.

6. Dr. Alexa Canady’s mentor

A mentor is someone who sees more talent and ability within you, than you see in yourself, and helps bring it out of you Bob Proctor. We all have mentors in our lives who inspire us to achieve more in life, well Dr. Canady was no different from facing discrimination, and sexism she needed someone she could look up to in college Dr. Art Bloom opened her eyes. Children鈥檚 Hospital of Philadelphia Dr. Luis Schut former Chair taught her to be a neurosurgeon and arranged access to professional opportunities. As a resident, her mentor was Dr. Shelby Chou his intelligence, logic, and surgical skills inspired Alexa who she is today. The child magazine ranked the Children鈥檚 Hospital of Michigan among the 鈥楾he 10 best children鈥檚 hospitals in America鈥�.

7. Alexa was a respected teacher

Dr. Canady’s academic career was spent at Wayne State University where she held the position of a professor and vice chairman of the department of Neurosurgery. Alexa was well respected as a teacher and received the teacher of the year award from the Children鈥檚 Hospital of Michigan.

Dr. Canady committed herself to research to make advances in neurosurgical techniques. This research led to the invention of a programmable antisiphon shunt to treat hydrocephalus an abnormal accumulation of fluid inside the brain she shared the same patent with two fellow neurosurgeons. Her approach was patient-centered with a focus on providing care and resource to empower her patients and their families.

8. Dr. Canady made sure patients had special care

All hospitals around the world give special attention to all their patients to make sure that the patient receives better care well it was different for Dr. Canady who focused on providing total care to her patients. She raised money through fundraisers and support through charity organizations for food and monetary donations for disadvantaged patients.

Committed to patients she started support groups and was industrious in her advocacy for the needs of the broader community. Despite the challenges she faced providing care to the poor community Dr. Canady continued to advance the field of pediatric neurosurgery through her research. She educated and trained medical students and residents creating a legacy of excellence in surgical skills, compassionate clinical care, and innovation through research.

9. Dr. Alexa Canady’s Inspiration

We all have that one person who inspires us or is a role model in our lives be it a musician, a pastor, a teacher, or still a family member. Dr. Alexa is a perfect example of a person who was not afraid to go after what she wanted despite the challenges she faced. Canady grew up in a time period fraught with ethnic prejudice and constant belittling. Equality was her legacy, the first African American woman neurosurgeon, she was a true hero. Dr. Alexa was an inspiration to young black people.

No matter what challenges fight to achieve your dreams do not just sleep and dream, but make sure to wake up and fight for your dreams. She paved the way for other African-Americans to follow in her footsteps. This proved to require a great amount of leadership in reaching her bright future, Canady’s character made the world a better place and led her to become, the first African-American woman to be recognized in neurosurgery.

10. She retired as the chief Neurosurgeon

Canady retired as the chief of Neurosurgery in 2001 and moved to Pensacola Florida with her retired husband. After several years of retirement, Alexa was lured back to surgery as a part-time consultant in surgical practice at the Sacred Heart Medical Group Hospital. She discovered that her new hometown had no pediatric neurosurgeons and decided to go back to work and her second retirement began in 2012 when she hung up the white coat.

11. Throughout her career, Dr. Canady held numerous leadership positions

This includes president of the American Association of Pediatric Neurosurgeons and chair of the American Board of Neurological Surgery’s Diversity Committee. Serving as President of the American Association of Pediatric Neurosurgeons (AAPN) from 2003 to 2004, she not only made history as the first Black woman to hold this prestigious position, but also used her platform to advocate for diversity, inclusion, and mentorship within the field.

This leadership role truly exemplifies Dr. Canady’s commitment to breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for others. Her presidency at the AAPN undoubtedly inspired countless individuals, particularly young women and minorities

12.   She was inducted into two halls of fame

In 2019, Dr. Canady’s legacy was further cemented with her induction into the National Black Nurses Hall of Fame, recognizing her groundbreaking achievements as the first Black woman neurosurgeon and her dedication to mentorship and advocacy.

13. Dr. Canady honed her skills in pediatric neurosurgery

Recognizing the unique challenges and delicate nature of young patients’ brains, Dr. Canady honed her skills in pediatric neurosurgery at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, completing a prestigious fellowship under the mentorship of Dr. Benjamin Carson.

During this time, she gained extensive experience treating a wide range of childhood neurological conditions, including hydrocephalus, brain tumors, and spinal cord injuries. Her dedication to developing minimally invasive surgical techniques and her compassionate approach towards young patients quickly established her as a leading figure in the field.

14. At the age of 36, Dr. Canady was appointed Chief of Neurosurgery 

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At the young age of 36, Dr. Canady shattered glass ceilings by becoming the Chief of Neurosurgery at Children’s Hospital of Michigan. This marked a historic moment as she became the first Black woman to lead a neurosurgery department at a major children’s hospital in the United States. Her appointment not only demonstrated her exceptional skills and dedication but also served as a powerful inspiration for aspiring doctors and leaders, particularly from underrepresented communities.

15. Dr. Canady has shared her experiences and insights in her book

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Dr. Canady continues to be a mentor and role model, inspiring African-American women to achieve their dreams. She has shared her experiences and insights in her inspirational autobiography, “A Trailblazing Surgeon: The Autobiography of Dr. Alexa Irene Canady.” Dr. Canady’s many contributions to neurosurgery include pioneering treatments for spinal and cranial conditions in infants as well as training other neurosurgeons.

16. She was featured in a Nickelodeon Black History Month animation

In 2015, Dr. Canady’s groundbreaking achievements and inspiring story were celebrated in a special Nickelodeon Black History Month animation titled “Dr. Alexa Canady: The Quiet Pioneer.” This short but impactful production followed Dr. Canady’s journey from facing racial and gender barriers in her early career to becoming the first Black woman neurosurgeon in the United States.

The animation aired on Nickelodeon channels across the country, reaching millions of young viewers and sparking conversations about diversity, perseverance, and breaking down barriers in STEM fields. Not only did it celebrate Dr. Canady’s individual accomplishments, but it also served as a powerful message of empowerment and inspiration for young people, particularly girls and minorities, who might have similar aspirations in science and medicine.

17. She is a sought-after speaker and lecturer

Beyond her groundbreaking achievements, Dr. Canady remains a powerful voice for diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare and beyond. She is a sought-after speaker and lecturer, sharing her inspiring story and insights at various events and conferences. Her passionate talks motivate and empower audiences of all ages, particularly young people and aspiring professionals from underrepresented communities, to overcome challenges, pursue their dreams, and break down barriers in their chosen fields.

18. Numerous scholarships and awards have been established in her name

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Numerous scholarships and awards have been established in Dr. Canady’s name, including the Dr. Alexa Irene Canady Scholarship at the University of Michigan Medical School and the Dr. Alexa Canady Neurosurgical Diversity Scholarship at the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. These awards provide financial support and recognition to future generations of neurosurgeons, particularly from underrepresented minorities, helping them overcome financial barriers and pursue their dreams in this challenging field.

19. A championing for STEM education

Dr. Canady is a staunch advocate for STEM education, particularly for young girls and minorities who are often underrepresented in these fields. She firmly believes that nurturing a passion for science and technology from a young age is crucial for fostering innovation and ensuring a diverse and inclusive future workforce. Dr. Canady actively participates in numerous outreach programs and initiatives designed to spark curiosity and encourage young people to explore STEM fields.

20. She has served on boards of prominent medical organizations 

Dr. Canady has dedicated her time and expertise to various leadership positions within the medical community. Throughout her career, she has served on the boards of prestigious organizations such as the Detroit Medical Society and the Neurosurgery Foundation. Her contributions to these boards have helped shape policies, advance the field of neurosurgery, and promote better healthcare for all.

The extraordinary career of Dr. Alexa Irene Canady stands as an inspiring testimony to courage, determination, and outstanding skill. Through tremendous hard work, she overcame daunting barriers to become the first African-American woman neurosurgeon in the United States in 1981. During her 30+ years as a pediatric neurosurgeon, Dr. Canady saved and improved the lives of thousands of children through her surgical talents and kind, reassuring manner.

She pioneered innovative techniques and supported other minorities in medicine through mentorship. Even in retirement, Alexa Canady continues to inspire future generations of African-American women to dream big and use their talents to make a difference. Though the road may not be easy, she stands as living proof that it is indeed possible to turn dreams into reality.