ADVERTISEMENT

  

Women Physicians

Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell
First Woman to Receive an M.D. degree in the United States 

The first woman who obtained the degree of M.D. in our country was ELIZABETH BLACKWELL. 

She was born in England, it is true, but came to this country when about eleven years old, and, since her example has proved such a stimulus to so many women, is deserving high place in a record of the women of our first century. 
  

That summer Dr. J. M. Allen, professor of anatomy, afforded her excellent opportunities for dissection in his private anatomical rooms. The winter following, she attended her first full course of lectures at Geneva, N.Y. The next summer she resided at the Blockley Hospital, Philadelphia, where she had the kindest attentions from Dr. Benedict, the principal physician, and the very large range for observation which its great variety and number of cases afford. The succeeding winter, she attended her second course at Geneva, and graduated regularly at the close of the session. Her thesis was upon ship-fever, which she had ample opportunities for observing at Blockley. It was so ably written that the faculty of Geneva determined to give it publication. Mrs. Hale adds, " It is in keeping with my idea of this story to add that the proceeds of her own industry have been adequate to meet the entire expenses of her medical education, about eight hundred dollars. My purpose in detailing these particulars is, to give the fullest notion of her enterprise and object. She gave the best summary of it that can be put into words, in her reply to the president of the Geneva College, when he presented her diploma. Departing from the usual form, he rose, and addressed her in a manner so emphatic and unusual, that she was surprised into a response. 'I thank you, sir,' said she. 'With the help of the Most High, it shall be the duty of my life to shed honor on this diploma.' "

And this she has done, till her name is a synonyme for medical worth. In 1849 Dr. Blackwell went to Europe, where she visited hospitals, being received with courtesy, and continued the study and practice of her profession. She is now in England; but her influence is felt on this side of the Atlantic. Her sister, Dr. EMILY BLACKWELL, has since entered the medical profession, and is now a successful practitioner, besides being at the head of a hospital and medical college for women in New York City. These two physicians, the Blackwell sisters, may be regarded as pioneers in that profession, whose names will be held in grateful and fadeless remembrance.