Dr Elizabeth Blackwell
(1821-1910)
woman, Doctor - Bachelor of Medicine MBBS, first woman to graduate in medicine in the United States, and first woman to be placed on the British medical register
Died aged c. 89
Wikidata WikipediaElizabeth Blackwell (3 February 1821 – 31 May 1910) was a British physician, notable as the first woman to receive a medical degree in the United States, and the first woman on the Medical Register of the General Medical Council for the United Kingdom. Blackwell played an important role in both the United States and the United Kingdom as a social awareness and moral reformer, and pioneered in promoting education for women in medicine. Her contributions remain celebrated with the Elizabeth Blackwell Medal, awarded annually to a woman who has made a significant contribution to the promotion of women in medicine. Blackwell was initially uninterested in a career in medicine, especially after her schoolteacher brought in a bull's eye to use as a teaching tool for studying the anatomy enabling vision. Therefore, she became a schoolteacher in order to support her family. This occupation was seen as suitable for women during the 1800s; however, she soon found it unsuitable for her. Blackwell's interest in medicine was sparked after a friend fell ill and remarked that, had a female doctor cared for her, she might not have suffered so much. Blackwell began applying to medical schools and immediately began to endure the prejudice against her sex that would persist throughout her career. She was rejected from each medical school she applied to, except Geneva Medical College, in which the male students voted for Blackwell's acceptance. Thus, in 1847, Blackwell became the first woman to attend medical school in the United States. Blackwell's inaugural thesis on typhoid fever, published in 1849 in the Buffalo Medical Journal, shortly after she graduated, was the first medical article published by a female student from the United States. It portrayed a strong sense of empathy and sensitivity to human suffering, as well as strong advocacy for economic and social justice. This perspective was deemed by the medical community as feminine. Blackwell also founded the New York Infirmary for Women and Children with her sister Emily Blackwell in 1857, and began giving lectures to female audiences on the importance of educating girls. She also played a significant role during the American Civil War by organizing nurses.
DbPedia
Commemorated on 2 plaques
Here lived and worked for thirty years Dr Elizabeth Blackwell Born at Bristol 1821, died at Hastings 1910. The first woman to graduate in medicine in the United States, at Geneva (Syracuse University) New York 1849. The first woman to be placed on the British medical register 1859. "One who never turn her back but marched breast forward never doubted clouds would break. Never dreamed, though right were worsted, wrong would triumph held we fall to rise, are baffled to fight better, sleep to wake."
Rock House, Exmouth Place, Hastings, United Kingdom where they lived and worked
The Edinburgh Seven. Britain's first female medical students 1869 - 1873. The Surgeons' Hall Riot occurred here 18th November 1870.
Surgeons' Hall Museums, The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Nicolson Street , Edinburgh, United Kingdom where they studied