Many years ago, I grew up with a young man who we all knew would one day become someone very successful. He was a loving, genuine friend to many of us, with a fun-loving sense of humor! There are two places in Walterboro where many of us frequently spent time with him, Wesley United Methodist Church, now known as New Life United Methodist Church, and a place we called “The Center,” the hub of many events for Black people in Walterboro, now known as the Ray T. Johnson / CTS Building, named for a longtime educator of Colleton Training School and Colleton High School. Therefore, without further adieu, let me share the amazing life story of this week’s African-American Trailblazer in the field of medicine.
Dr. Daryl Mitchell: A Legacy of Perseverance and Service
Daryl Mitchell grew up in the close-knit coastal community of Walterboro, South Carolina, the youngest child of Joseph and Willie Mae Scott Mitchell. Alongside his siblings Jerry, Peggy (Karen), Cynthia, and Beverly, he was raised with the values of hard work, faith, and an unshakable belief in the power of education. His father Joseph, a pioneer Clemson University Extension Agent and mother Willie Mae, an elementary school educator, raised their children to reach for the stars. He is proud to say that both his mother’s and father’s parents were also educators.
As a child of the segregated South, Daryl experienced firsthand the inequalities of separate and unequal schools. Yet, he remained determined to excel, fueled by the encouragement of his parents, family, friends, and incredible teachers. His determination carried him through a pivotal moment in history, becoming part of the first graduating class of Walterboro High School after forced integration in 1971.
Growing up in an era when segregation extended beyond schools, Mitchell vividly recalls the stark realities of a divided healthcare system. In his youth, separate wards and hospitals were the norm. He remembers Walterboro’s only African-American physician, Dr. David Chisolm, who was not only the family doctor, but also a close family friend, being denied the privilege to practice at the Colleton County hospital. Instead, Dr. Chisolm had to admit his patients to the all-black McClennan-Banks Hospital, located nearly 40 miles away in Charleston, SC. “Seeing that injustice up close instilled in me a lifelong commitment to equitable healthcare,” Mitchell says.
While in high school, Daryl worked at the old Novit-Siegel’s department store on Main Street in Walterboro, where under the tutelage of Sam Siegel, he developed his communication skills and ability to serve others in need. Despite the tensions of the time, Daryl distinguished himself as a leader and scholar. He was a dedicated member of the Future Scientists Club, foreshadowing the impact he would later have in medicine. In addition to becoming a vocalist in the South Carolina All-State Choir, his leadership skills and unwavering determination made him a natural choice for Senior Class President, and by the end of the year, he was recognized as an Outstanding Senior, a title that reflected both his academic excellence and his ability to unite classmates from different walks of life.
A Journey into Medicine
Daryl pursued his dream of becoming a physician at an HBCU, Clark Atlanta University, where he graduated cum laude with a degree in Biology. He credits the rigorous curriculum, the nurturing environment of the HBCUs, and the dedicated faculty as the keys to his success.
Before entering medical school, he worked as a pharmaceutical representative for Wyeth Laboratories and later at Eastern Airlines in Atlanta, which helped to defray some of the cost of medical school. These experiences deepened his understanding of healthcare and patient care, solidifying his desire to serve his community as a physician.
He was accepted into Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, where he embarked on the rigorous path of medical training. Following medical school, he completed a four-year residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Providence Hospital (now Ascension Health) in Southfield, Michigan.
Building a Career in Women’s Health
Dr. Mitchell’s commitment to providing care to underserved communities led him back to South Carolina, where he worked as a physician in a Community Health Center in Charleston in 1985. He later co-founded an OB / GYN practice in Shreveport, Louisiana in 1986, with a fellow medical school classmate. He spent nearly four decades providing compassionate care to women and families.
Throughout his career, he held numerous leadership positions, including Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Willis Knighton Health System and Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Shreveport Medical Society. He also served on the LSU School of Medicine Shreveport Admissions Committee, and as a clinical instructor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, mentoring the next generation of physicians.
Dr. Mitchell has been an active member of professional organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Medical Association, the Louisiana State Medical Society, the Shreveport Medical Society, the National Medical Association, and the North Louisiana Medical Association. He is Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Community and Legacy
Beyond medicine, Dr. Mitchell has been deeply involved in community service, serving on boards such as the Shreveport Medical Society, Centenary College of Shreveport, LSU Health Shreveport Foundation, the Black / White Communications Task Force, and the Shreveport Regional Arts Council.
After 40 years in private practice, he retired in March 2024, but his passion for medicine continues. He now serves as an Obstetrical Hospitalist with OBHG Hospitalist Group, where he manages obstetric emergencies, collaborates with local physicians, and provides care for unassigned patients.
A Life Well-Lived
Dr. Mitchell’s personal interests include spending time with family, traveling, photography, painting and collecting Black Santas, and listening to smooth jazz. He has been married for 39 years to Yvonne, a retired registered nurse, and together, they have raised two sons, Jordan and Scott.
Today, Dr. Mitchell has emerged as a prominent obstetrician-gynecologist, dedicated to bridging the gaps left by a segregated past. His career not only highlights his personal achievements, but also serves as a beacon of hope and progress for communities still striving for equality in education and healthcare. His journey underscores the transformative power of perseverance and the enduring impact of community support. His story reminds us that even in the face of systemic inequality, determination and vision can pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.
I asked Dr. Mitchell a few pertinent questions relating to his career as a medical doctor:
What advice would you give young African-American men who aspire to pursue a career as a medical doctor? “I think it is important to have exposure to the sciences and science education at a young age. Also, it is important to find a mentor. Studies have shown that mentors and role models make it more likely that a student could become a doctor. My experience at an HBCU (Historically Black College and University) was definitely one of the key reasons for my success. It takes hard work, perseverance, determination, patience, empathy, politeness, good communication skills, and ability to work for long or odd hours in order to succeed.” Why did you choose the specialty of Obstetrics and Gynecology over any other specialty? “I chose Obstetrics and Gynecology because it’s generally a happy specialty that allows me to participate in many life-changing events in a person’s life. It suits my personality. It is diverse, challenging, and rewarding. It combines medical and surgical skills to address all the aspects of women’s health. I like being able to use a variety of my skills. Each day is different (the miracle of birth, the diagnosing and surgically treating a gynecological condition or even counseling).” What has been your most challenging dilemma in your career as a medical doctor? “I would have to say that one of the most challenging dilemmas was the choice to maintain a ‘private practice’ throughout my career. There is much difficulty in balancing clinical responsibilities with administrative work.”
Daryl’s legacy is a testament to the values instilled in him by his family, his faith, the support of his community, and his unwavering commitment to uplifting others. He embodies perseverance, excellence, and service. Dr. Mitchell, you have made Colleton most proud of your achievements and the examples you have set for those who have come after you, and those who are yet to aspire to become medical doctors. Thank you for not allowing a segregated past deter you from becoming a bright, shining success in the field of medicine!
