Dr. Arthur James Sumrall was the seventh of ten children born. After completing high school, he enrolled at Tuskegee University with interests in science and Zoology, originally considering a career as a large animal Veterinarian. After completing his under graduate degree (BA) at Tuskegee he applied to Medical School in Mississippi and was met with the discriminating resistance that was part of our history in the South at that time. The medical school's racists policies prevented him from attending.
Being driven and determined he was presented an option for low interest school loans to apply in other states. He entered DePauw University and completed a master's degree (MS) in Biology and was accepted to the Indiana University School of Medicine the following year. He also joined the Army Reserve. Dr. Sumrall loved Medicine and wanted to specialize which was not part of the low interest loan option provided to him. The loan guidelines required him to return to a small town as a Family Medicine Doctor. Being determined to chart his own path he defied the rule, applied to Temple University for Dermatology and was accepted. His home state demanded full payment of the loans, and he was able to secure funding to repay and remain at Temple University Dermatology. At Temple University School of Dermatology Dr. Sumrall studied under renowned Dermatologist & Pathologist Wallace Clark, MD best known for devising the "Clark Level" system for classifying the seriousness of a malignant melanoma skin cancer based on its microscopic appearance. Dr. Sumrall returned to Indianapolis after completing dermatology training at Temple University, completed his Dermatology Board certification and opened Sumrall Dermatology. He later became a Diplomate of Cosmetic Surgery.
Dr. Sumrall continued to embrace new learning and innovations in Medicine. He was one of eight Americans that traveled to France to learn the original procedure Liposuction from the creator Dr. Louis Fournier. Dr. Sumrall and Dr. Fournier along with the original team were recognized at a recent meeting of the Dermatologic & Aesthetic Surgery International League (DASIL). Dr. Sumrall became very interested in Alternative Medicine and became Board Certified in Anti-Aging Medicine. After completing the Anti-Aging Board certification, he opened the Longevity Institute advocating the benefits when traditional and alternative medicines are considered and collaborated for the best outcomes.
After many years as the only Black Dermatologist in the state of Indiana, also supporting those in Kentucky and Ohio, he was delighted to be joined by others in recent years, including Dr. Christopher Obeime, whom he admired. Dr. Sumrall collaborated with Dermatologists Harold Pierce (Philadelphia, PA) and Richard Gibbs (Memphis, TN) to develop their own line of successful skin care products, Pierce Sumrall Gibbs (PSG).
Dr. Sumrall loved global travel visiting several cities and locations within 15 countries to attend meetings with the National Medical Association (NMA); American Academy of Dermatology (AAD); American Society Cosmetic Surgery (ASDS); International Society Dermatologic Surgery (ISDS); The Jordanian Dermatologic Conference, where he lectured Middle Eastern Doctors on chemical peels for pigmented skin in Aman Jordan; Dermatologic & Aesthetic Surgery International League, where he participated with providing Medical student training. He volunteered an hour per week on a public service radio calling-in program with co-host and significant other, Nancy Ramsey, called Medically Speaking with Dr. Sumrall and Nancy. They invited various Doctors to share information and take calls from the community on WTLC 1310 AM.
Dr. Sumrall strongly believed education was the key to a fulfilled life and would appreciate donations and knowledge sharing to Tuskegee University and with Charles A. Tindley Accelerated School in Indianapolis, Indiana. He loved his family and friends and would always help those in the pursuit of education.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 16, 2019 from 10:00am - 12:00pm with a Funeral Service at 12:00pm in Crown Hill Funeral Home 700 West 38th St. Indianapolis, IN 46208.
