Doctor Charles Edward Crutchfield was the first African American gynecologist and obstetrician to practice in Minnesota.

Born in a small coal mining town in rural Alabama, Doctor Crutchfield grew up without a phone or indoor plumbing. Doctor Crutchfield was sent to Minnesota by his family at 15 for a better education. He graduated from North High School and then the University of Minnesota’s medical school.

Crutchfield enlisted in the Air Force during the Vietnam War, where he spent four years, and retired as a Captain.

In his 50-plus years of practicing medicine, Doctor Crutchfield ran his medical practice, was a physician for thousands of women, and delivered over 10,000 babies in Saint Paul. In addition, Crutchfield volunteered at Open Cities medical clinics, dozens of community events such as Rondo days, and as a fight doctor for amateur boxing matches throughout Minnesota.

Doctor Crutchfield chose to live in the Rondo neighborhood of Saint Paul and has lived in the same house for over 40 years. He has five children and 16 grandchildren.