Final answer:
The history of Black physicians in the United States is marked by resilience and excellence amidst racial discrimination. Organizations like the National Medical Association were pivotal in advocating for health equality and civil rights.
Step-by-step explanation:
The history of African American medical professionals is one of perseverance against systemic barriers. Individuals such as James McCune Smith, David J. Peck, and James Durham pursued medical education and practice despite rampant discrimination. The AMA's refusal to admit Black physicians and the segregation of hospitals underscored the healthcare inequality present through much of American history. However, the resilience of Black medical professionals laid the groundwork for the formation of organizations like the National Medical Association and the National Association of Colored Nurses, and their significant roles in the civil rights movement advocating health equality.