May 7, 2005

  • Have you spent time reading about our history, Women's History?   Have you ever wondered if women played any part in bringing us to where we are in this world?  After all we are the one half of humanity.  I don't remember hearing much about women when I was in school.  Men seemed to do everything.  However, with just a little bit of web surfing, women can discover just how important our sex has been in this world.  There are so many web sites visit and learn about the accomplishments of women.  We should take some time  to read about some of our path finders especially in March during Women's History Month. 


    I wanted to share with you a brief synopsis of the life of Elizabeth Blackwell.  She was the first American female doctor by being the first woman to graduate from medical school with a doctorate of medicine.  She is also a pioneer in educating women in medicine. 


    Elizabeth Blackwell 
    1821-1910      


    Elizabeth was born in England on February 3, 1821.  Her early education was provided by a private tutor and included Latin, Greek and mathematics.  Her father was an usual man for his time in that he wanted his daughters to be educated in languages and mathematics.  These were subjects that were not taught to women.  Afterall, why would women need knowledge of anything other than sewing, keeping house, cooking, etc.  Why, indeed.


    Her father, Samuel Blackwell, a social reformer, moved his family to America in 1832.   Exceptionally good as a "social reformer," he was not very good in business and left his family without financial support upon his death.  Her mother and two older sisters opened a private school to support the family after her father's death. 


    Elizabeth taught school as well but was not interested in being a teacher.  Instead her interests revolved around all things medical.  She wanted to be doctor to women and children.  She was not the least bit interested in getting married.


    In 1847 she began searching for a medical school that would admit her for a full course of study.   She was turned down by all the best medical schools because she was a woman.  She was finally accepted by the Geneva Medical College in Geneva, NY and graduated first in her class in 1849.


    "The idea of winning a doctor's degree gradually assumed the aspect of a great moral struggle, and the moral fight possessed immense attraction for me."



    • After graduations she went to Paris where she entered training at the midwives course at La Maternite.
    • Suffered serious a eye infection which left her blind in one eye.  
    • Work at  St. Bartholomew's Hospital in England with Dr. James Paget.
    • During her stay in England she met and became friends with Florence Nightingale.
    • Upon return to the US in 1851, she began to see women and children in her home because the hospitals and dispensaries refused her association.
    • She wrote lectures on health in 1952 which she published as "The Laws of Life; with Special Reference to the Physical Education of Girls."
    • In 1853 she opened a dispensary in the slums of New York City.
    • In 1854 she adopted an orphan, Katharine Barry.
    • In 1857 the dispensary incorporated as the New York Infirmary for Women and Children.
    • First woman to have her name placed on the British medical register while on a lecture tour in Great Britain in 1859. 
    • Helped to organize the Women's Central Association of Relief during the Civil War by selecting and training nurses for service in the war.
    • Helped to inspire the creation of the US Sanitary Commission.
    • November 1868 she opened the Women's Medical College at the Infirmary and took the Chair of Hygiene.
    • Moved back to England in 1869 and helped organize the national Health Society and founded the London School of Medicine for Women.
    • In 1875 she was appointed professor of gynecology at the London School of Medicine for children founded by Elizabeth Garrett.
    • Died in 1910 in Sussex.

    "If society will not admit of women's free development, then society must be remodeled."   


    Here is a woman who let nothing stand in the way of reaching her goals.  More than anything else she wanted to be a doctor of medicine.  It wasn't an easy path for her.  Every where she turned there were blocks and non acceptance but she persevered.  A good role model for other women.  Don't let your dreams die.  Live each day to the fullest and best of your ability and keep your "eye on the prize."