BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

Over 60 years ago, a young man decided that he wanted to become a physician. Now, Dr. William W. (Billy) Andrews has decided to end his career of nearly fifty years.

A Tampa native, Dr. Andrews and his brother, the late Mr. C. Blythe Andrews, Jr., were the only two sons of the late Mr. and Mrs. Cyril Blythe (Johnna) Andrews.

When Dr. Andrews returned home to practice medicine in 1964, his father owned property at 3105 N. 22nd Street. Dr. Andrews launched his practice from that location. Several years later, he built an office on the property and demolished the house. Dr. Andrews said, “It allowed me to take care of the sick. It was a rewarding experience.”

At the time when Dr. Andrews began his practice, other African Americans were practicing medicine. Growing up in Tampa, he recalls Dr. A. L. Lewis as being one of the first. He said Dr. Lewis set his broken arm when he was a child.

Another childhood memory Dr. Andrews has is of becoming an Eagle Scout. “My brother and I were the first two Eagle Scouts for the Gulf Coast Ridge Council in 1944. Dr. Andrews said his brother, Blythe, was the first because he was older and had more badges, but they were chosen at the same time.

After graduating from Middleton High School in 1947, Dr. Andrews continued his education at Talladega College, in Talladega, Alabama. Armed with a degree in Biology, Dr. Andrews continued his education at Meharry Medical College, School of Medicine and graduated in 1955.

He then served in the United States Air Force. Dr. Andrews served as a Captain for two years. He then completed his internship and residency at several hospitals including Meharry Medical School, Hubbard Hospital, in Nashville, Tennessee, and Edward Hines Jr., VA Hospital, in Chicago, IL. At that time, physicians were assigned to several hospitals as opposed to one.

Dr. Andrews launched his practice as one of less than ten board certified African Americans in the state. During this era, African American doctors were limited to practice at certain hospitals. Clara Frye Hospital, in West Tampa, and the Lily White Hospital in East Tampa, provided the solution for African American doctors in Tampa.

He has served as the former president of the Allied Medical Society, Tampa Branch of Florida Medical, Dental and Pharmaceutical Society. After integration, the organization underwent a name change and became the Bay Area Medical Association.

Since launching his career, Dr. Andrews has observed many changes in the medical field. He has also served as an inspiration for others to enter the field. Among them include his daughter, Dr. Sharon Andrews, and nieces, Dr. Susan Andrews and Dr. Nancy Andrews.