[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 132 (Tuesday, August 7, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1133-E1134]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF DR. RUSSELL PLATT

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TIM RYAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 7, 2018

  Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to remember the life of 
Dr. Russell Platt, age 91, who passed away on August 2, 2018 in Akron, 
Ohio. Dr. Platt was the first African-American doctor to finish his 
residency at Akron City Hospital, and he was one of the first African-
American doctors in Akron to have an integrated medical practice. His 
story is truly inspiring.
  Dr. Platt was born on July 10, 1927 in Latta, South Carolina to 
Francis and Carlie Platt. He

[[Page E1134]]

attended Dillon County Training School, an unaccredited school in Latta 
for Negroes. He finished his high school education at Voorhees 
Preparatory School before going to South Carolina State University. 
There, he studied from 1945 until 1949, majoring in biology and 
secondary education and minoring in chemistry. Later, Dr. Platt 
received his master's degree in education from The Ohio State 
University. Upon graduation, he served in the newly integrated United 
States Air Force. He studied aviation physiology and quickly rose to 
the rank of 2nd Lieutenant in Aviation Medicine. In 1960, he graduated 
and received his medical degree from Meharry Medical College in 
Nashville, Tennessee.
  After graduating, Dr. Platt moved to Akron, Ohio with his soulmate 
Barbara to train as a doctor. He knew he would be unable to be a doctor 
if he remained in South Carolina. Russell resided in Akron for 58 
years, practicing medicine there for 51 of those years. Through the 
course of his career it is estimated that Platt has cared for over 
25,000 patients and frequently handed out his personal cellphone number 
for after-hour emergencies. He was beloved by the community for his 
service; believing that his work was a calling rather than simply a 
career.
  Beyond his own practice, Dr. Platt was a proud member of The American 
Medical Association, The Ohio State Medical Association, The Summit 
County Medical Association, The American Society of Internal Medicine, 
and The National Medical Association. He received many honors and 
accolades through the years. Most recently, Summa Health established 
the Russell Platt Clerkship, collecting over $10,000 for medical 
residents. He was selected for the prestigious Crain's Magazine ``Eight 
over Eighty.'' He was also featured in an article in the Akron Beacon 
Journal, ``Pioneering Black Doctor Living his calling at 89.''
  But above all, Dr. Platt was dedicated to his wife and six children. 
A true family man, he cherished the time spent with them. He is quoted 
as saying, ``You can't go back. Take care of those kids while you can--
go to their concerts, take them to piano lessons, take them to shows.'' 
He and his wife Barbara, who passed away in 2012, are survived by six 
children, Michael and Russell Platt Jr., Pamela Potts, Deborah Watters, 
Renee, Kimberly, and ten grandchildren to carry on their memory. Dr. 
Russell Platt will leave a lasting impact, and I know he is dearly 
missed by his family and the greater community of Akron. I extend my 
deepest and sincerest condolences.

                          ____________________