Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell was a pioneering American physician who made history by becoming the first woman to earn a medical degree in the United States. Here’s her inspiring story:
Elizabeth Blackwell was born in Bristol, England, in 1821 into a large family and later moved to the United States with her family. Her father’s sugar refinery business failed, and he died, leaving the family in financial difficulties.
Blackwell started her career as a teacher to support her family. However, when she was in her mid-20s, a female friend had a terminal illness but was too embarrassed to go to a male doctor. The friend told Blackwell that she believed she would have recovered if she had a female doctor. This led Blackwell to pursue medicine as a career.
Despite facing rejection from many medical schools, Blackwell persisted and was eventually accepted by Geneva Medical College in New York.
On January 23, 1849, Blackwell graduated at the top of her class, becoming the first woman to earn a medical degree in the United States. She went on to work and train further in London and Paris. Inspired by Elizabeth’s success, her sister Emily also became a doctor.
Dr. Blackwell faced significant challenges in establishing her medical practice, including being denied positions at hospitals and facing scepticism from male colleagues.
In 1857, Dr. Blackwell co-founded the New York Infirmary for Women and Children with her sister Emily, which later included a medical college for women.
Dr. Blackwell returned permanently to London in 1858 and established the London School of Medicine for Women, with the primary goal of preparing women for medical education. There she became a Professor of Gynaecology and the first woman listed on the British Medical Register.
In 1861, she helped establish the US Sanitary Commission. Also, Dr. Blackwell and Emily helped train nurses for the battlefields during the Civil War.
This way, Dr. Blackwell helped found two medical colleges for women before her death on May 31, 1910.
Throughout her life, Dr. Blackwell was a strong advocate for women’s rights, education and healthcare. She also promoted preventive medicine and hygiene. Additionally, Dr. Blackwell published several books over the course of her career, including her autobiography in 1895. Her determination and perseverance paved the way for future generations of women in medicine.
In order to honour her meritorious service, the American Medical Women’s Association introduced the Elizabeth Blackwell Medal in 1939 to present annually to a woman who has made significant contribution in medicine.
Image: US post issued a stamp honouring Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell on the 125th anniversary of her graduation. Courtesy Wikimedia Commons