Final answer:
U.S. medical schools were first opened primarily to train privileged students for careers in professions like medicine, while upholding traditional curricula. Despite barriers, individuals like McGill, Peck, and Smith achieved medical degrees; however, African Americans faced systemic exclusion, notably from the AMA, leading to alternative organizations like the National Medical Association and the National Association of Colored Nurses to support Black medical professionals.
Step-by-step explanation:
Medical schools in the United States were initially established to train students, predominantly male and economically privileged, for careers in medicine, law, or theology, as part of a higher education system aimed at preserving tradition over innovation. Despite the societal limitations and discriminative practices of the era, individuals such as Samuel Ford McGill, David J. Peck, and James McCune Smith, managed to achieve medical degrees and make significant contributions to the field, both domestically and internationally. The creation of the American Medical Association (AMA) in 1847, which was instrumental in the rise of formal medical standards but also in the exclusion of African American practitioners, highlights the complexity of medical education's evolution. The subsequent formation of alternate organizations, such as the National Medical Association in 1895 and the National Association of Colored Nurses in 1908, served as critical support networks for Black medical professionals facing systemic barriers. The struggle for a diverse and equitable medical profession has been a continuous challenge, affecting not only educational opportunities but also the ability to access professional experiences and acceptance within the wider medical community.