The first Chinese doctors in the U.S. were herbalists, following an ancient tradition, and there are still Chinese herbalists today, including in Boston’s Chinatown. In the late 19th century, a handful of Chinese residents chose to attend American medical schools to receive a degree as a Medical Doctor, or M.D.
In New England, Ensang Waniella Cheng became the first male Chinese student to graduate from Harvard Medical school, and was the only licensed Chinese doctor in New England for nearly the first half of the 20th century. He was staffed as a physician at the Boston City Hospital for many years, and also briefly taught at his alma mater. In addition, he was long active in civic and charitable circles.
Dr. Cheng was a native-born citizen, born in Hawaii in 1877, and eventually entered the University of California. In his senior year, he moved to Boston, transferring to Harvard University, and then the Medical School, graduating in 1909.
Dr. Cheng opened his office at 7 Tyler Street in Chinatown, and his waiting room evolved into a gathering place for the better educated. To enhance this, Dr. Cheng ordered a significant number of books from China, starting the only free Chinese public library outside of San Francisco. With Chinese books in the U.S. being rare, this free library was quite valuable.
An article in the Boston Post, dated February 7, 1921, discussed Chinese New Year and Dr. Cheng, stating, “Dr. Cheng is Chinatown’s official physician. He is paid by the year to keep them well.” The article also mentions that many Chinese residents in lodging rooms didn’t have bathrooms. In what might have been a New Year’s tradition, numerous people went to Dr. Cheng’s office to take a bath!
Unfortunately, in June 1958, Cheng, passed away at age 81 due to a heart ailment. He was survived by his wife Linda and two adopted children, William and Lana.
Cheng was a pioneer in New England. Being the first licensed physician of Chinese descent, and running a successful practice for many years. He was well loved in Boston, heavily involved in supporting the community.