Woman of the Week: Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell
written by Kate H.
Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell was born in England in 1821. However, arguably her greatest achievement was earned in America. She became the first woman to receive a medical degree in the US, and this is her story.
Growing up, Elizabeth hated studying medicine and things to do with the body. Her greatest interest were history and metaphysics. Later though, a friend became sick and endured great suffering. On her death bed, the friend explained to Elizabeth that she believed her suffering could have been lessened had her physician been female. This comment sparked a new interest in Blackwell and she began to reconsider her studies.
Having found motivation through a personal experience, Blackwell began seeking a medical degree. She spoke with family friends who were physicians, who then told her that it was impossible for her to obtain a degree and far 
too expensive. Excited by the challenge, she reached out to other friends and they allowed her to study amongst them for year. Her next step was to apply to 12 schools in the US along with a school in New York and Philadelphia. Soon she found out she was accepted to Geneva College in New York. This school was solely male, students and most faculty, so word of her acceptance caused commotion. The school decided to let the students vote and decide whether or not she would attend classes with them. Assuming she would struggle and was not serious about her degree, the boys voted yes as a joke. Little did they know, she would graduate and go down in history because of their decision.
“It’s not so easy to be a pioneer- but oh, it is fascinating.”
She was admitted in 1847 and began studying obstetrics and gynecology. Dr. Blackwell graduated in two years in 1849 at the age of 28.
Once she obtained her degree she went back to Europe and worked in small clinics for two years in the cities of London, England and Paris, France. She also continued studying midwifery at a school called La Maternité. While working in the clinics, though, she contracted purulent ophthalmia from a sick patient. This disease caused her to lose all sight in one eye. 
Unfortunately, this effect caused her to give up her dream of becoming a surgeon. However, she would not give up on her mission. She returned to New York City in 1851 and six years later she established her own “New York Infirmary” at 64 Bleecker Street.
In the late 1870s, Elizabeth concluded her professional career. She moved back to England and died at the age of 89 in 1910. Throughout her life she wrote many books detailing her studies and experiences. You can find links to many below.
Her persistence is encouraging, and her courage is inspiring. She worked towards her passion no matter who or what was in her way. We could all learn form her hard work and perseverance by encouraging others and ourselves to pursue our dreams.
“If society will not admit of woman’s free development, then society must be remodeled.”
Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell’s Books!
Medicine as a Profession for Women