The Color of Medicine: The Story of Homer G. Phillips Hospital

The Color of Medicine traces the rise and fall of St. Louis’ premier black hospital, Homer G. Phillips, which at one point in time trained the largest number of black doctors and nurses in the world. The film chronicles the unique history of the medical training of African-American doctors and nurses before and after desegregation. Among those featured is Dr. Earle U. Robinson Jr., a second-generation physician and alumnus from Homer G. Phillips, who shares his personal story and that of his father, who was one of the first 27 graduates of the prestigious hospital. A large array of other physicians, nurses, and patients share recollections that span the years from the hospital’s beginnings in 1937 to its closing in 1979, and community activists and leaders discuss the significant place that Homer G. Phillips Hospital holds in African-American, St. Louis, and U.S. history. (St. Louis International Film Festival)