The first African American woman to become a surgeon in the U.S. was Dr. Patricia Bath. Bath's pioneering work in ophthalmology led to innovations in cataract surgery and techniques for eye care, earning her numerous accolades. She founded the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness and dedicated her career to eliminating blindness among underserved populations. Bath's legacy emphasizes the importance of diversity in medicine and the groundbreaking contributions of women in the field.