John Richard Francis

John Richard Francis (March 3, 1856 – May 23, 1913) was an American physician and educator from Washington, D.C. A graduate of the University of Michigan, Francis established a private sanatorium, taught and practiced obstetrics at Howard University and its hospital, and served on the District of Columbia school board. Booker T. Washington described Francis as "one of the best known physicians" in D.C.

Early life and education Francis was born in Georgetown, Washington, D.C., on March 3, 1856. His father, Richard "Dick" Francis, was an African American caterer and bartender at the well-known Hancock's Restaurant near the U.S. Capitol (John R. purchased Hancock's in 1885). His mother was Mary E. Francis, a homemaker.

Francis attended preparatory school at Howard University from 1868 to 1872 before graduating from the Wesleyan Academy in Wilbraham, Massachusetts. He began his medical education under the tutelage of Christopher Christian Cox and studied medicine at Howard University from 1875 to 1877. He graduated magna cum laude with his doctorate of medicine from the University of Michigan in 1878. In April 1894, he was appointed first assistant surgeon at the Freedman's Hospital. As the hospital's interim chief surgeon from April 16, 1894 to June 30, 1895, he reformed patient care, established a training program for nurses, and advocated for more government funding. He became the hospital's obstetrician and served as demonstrator and clinical lecturer in obstetrics in Howard University's medical department.

Ideologically, Francis aligned with Booker T. Washington, calling for Black progress through self-education and entrepreneurship. Francis was highly active in the District of Columbia's civic affairs. Both Francis and his wife served on the D.C. Board of Education, though he resigned in disappointment at lacking support to improve the education Black students.