Medicine As A Profession For Women Elizabeth Blackwell
Elizabeth Blackwell was the first woman to receive a medical degree in the United States, and her journey to become a doctor was not easy. Women were not allowed to attend medical school at the time, and it took Blackwell years of perseverance and hard work to achieve her dream. In this article, we will explore Blackwell's life and career and examine the impact she had on the field of medicine and the role of women in it.
Early Life
Elizabeth Blackwell was born in Bristol, England in 1821. Her family was progressive, and her father Samuel was a social reformer who believed in equality for women. When Elizabeth was 11, the family moved to the United States, settling in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Blackwell was interested in medicine from a young age, but it was not until she met a dying friend who told her that she would have suffered less if her doctor had been a woman, that she decided to pursue a career in medicine.
Medical School
Blackwell applied to several medical schools, but was rejected by all of them because she was a woman. She was finally accepted by Geneva Medical College in upstate New York, but only because the faculty thought her application was a joke.
Blackwell faced many challenges at medical school. She was ostracized by her classmates, who refused to sit next to her or study with her. She was also subjected to cruel pranks and insults. However, she persevered and graduated first in her class in 1849.
Career
After graduation, Blackwell faced more challenges. No hospital would hire a female doctor, and she struggled to find patients who were willing to be treated by her. She eventually opened her own clinic in New York City, which primarily served poor women and children.
Blackwell also founded the New York Infirmary for Women and Children in 1857, which was staffed entirely by female doctors and nurses. The hospital provided care for women who were unable to receive treatment elsewhere, and it also served as a training ground for other female doctors.
Blackwell's work had a significant impact on the field of medicine and the role of women in it. She paved the way for other women to become doctors and helped to change the perception of women in the medical profession.
Legacy
Elizabeth Blackwell's legacy continues to inspire women in medicine today. Her determination and perseverance in the face of adversity serve as a reminder that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. She broke down barriers and paved the way for future generations of women to pursue their dreams.
Blackwell died in 1910, but her impact on the medical profession and the role of women in it will always be remembered.
Conclusion
Elizabeth Blackwell's journey to become a doctor was not an easy one, but her determination and perseverance paved the way for future generations of women to pursue careers in medicine. She broke down barriers and changed the perception of women in the medical profession. Blackwell's legacy continues to inspire women in medicine today, and her impact on the field will always be remembered.