A proud Alabama A&M University alumna born in Jasper, Ala., and raised in Columbus, Ga., spoke at the Freshman Convocation and Torch Lighting Ceremony on Wednesday, August 15, in the T.M. Elmore Building.
Dr. Melanie Crutchfield Whitten received her bachelor’s degree in biology from AAMU and her medical degree from Rockland Franklin University School of Medicine and Science in Chicago, Ill. She trained in general surgery at Cooper Medical School of Rowen University/Cooper University Hospital and Breast Surgical Oncology at University of Southern California/Keck School of Medicine and Hoag Memorial Hospital in California.
Dr. Crutchfield-Whitten currently works as a breast surgical oncologist, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of benign and malignant breast disease. She has participated as team captain at the Susan G. Komen Komen Race for the Cure in Atlanta, Ga., as well as featured speaker at the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, in addition to various other churches and foundations.
Dr. Crutchfield-Whitten told the Class of 2022 that perseverance is crucial and that sometimes success entails having several contingency plans. She praised several of her mentors, including biologist Jeanette Jones, for their roles in preparing her for a career in medicine.
Dr. Crutchfield-Whitten is a member of the American College of Surgeons, American Society of Breast Surgeons, National Medical Association and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
She is married to Dr. Linwood Whitten, director of the Office of Diversity and International Affairs at Alabama State University. Both husband and wife are proud graduates of Alabama A&M University and were recently nominated as “Top 40 under 40” graduates for outstanding achievement in their respective fields by the AAMU Alumni Association.