[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. ____________________