The September 1972 issue of Ebony magazine features LaRae in an article titled “Med School Mom.” The piece celebrates her ability to balance the demands of being a housewife and mother while attending medical school— a rare accomplishment at a time when few women, and even fewer Black women, pursued medical degrees.

Becomes the first African American woman to earn a medical degree from the University of Colorado Medical School. Earns the degree while serving as the Vice President of her class and raising four children.

The Colorado Advisory Committee to the United States Commission on Civil Rights publishes its report Access to the Medical Profession in Colorado by Minorities and Women. The report notes the underrepresentation of minorities and women in the medical profession in the early 1970’s and makes recommendations to address the issue. In 1972, LaRae was only the second Black woman ever admitted to the University of Colorado’s Medical School, and one of just 18 women and two mothers in her class of 127 students.

At a Pentagon ceremony, receives the Medal for Outstanding Public Service for saving the life of Colonel William C. Griffin while flying across a war zone in 1978. The medal is the second highest award presented by the Secretary of Defense to non-career Federal employees, private citizens, and foreign nationals for contributions, assistance, or support to Department of Defense functions.

Provides care to Americans in response to the bombing in Beirut at the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon.

Leads a medical response team sent to rescue Americans on the hijacked Achille Lauro ship in the Mediterranean Sea.

Serves as the first African American Assistant Secretary of State for Health Affairs.

Authors The Still Small Voice, an autobiographical account of her life and personal spiritual journey.