Physician, 1821 - 1910
A pioneer for women's health and women's rights, Elizabeth Blackwell
became the first modern woman to break through the centuries-old barrier
to women practicing medicine. Educated by tutors, Blackwell first
studied medicine on her own. Then, wishing to practice formally, she
applied to many U.S. medical schools, all of which rejected her because
of gender prejudice. Finally she was admitted to Geneva Medical College
in New York, from which she received her M.D. degree in 1849. After
completing her internship in her native England, she returned to the
United States - to find no hospital willing to hire female physicians.
So, with her sister Emily, also a physician, Blackwell opened a clinic
in the slums of New York City. The clinic's success led to the women
establishing the New York Infirmary for Women and Children, to which
they later attached a medical college for women, the first of its kind.
Blackwell continued her promotion for women in medicine for many years
via her activities in the medical community and through her writings.
Guess this week's Daring Woman and try to win a $10 gift certificate to Windy Moon here.
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