In Elizabeth Blackwell’s day, defying her gender role wasn’t the popular choice. But she did it anyway. That is always the most important part of stories like these. She knew what she was up against. She knew it wouldn’t be easy. But she pursued medical school anyway, despite being separated and excluded by peers and professors alike. And her perseverance paid off. She became the first woman to receive a medical degree in America, she focused on areas of care that male doctors had historically neglected, and she took back control by opening her own practice specifically for underprivileged women. What an inspiration and blueprint on perseverance.
This is the kind of history I want children growing up to learn. I’m tired of learning about egoic wars.
Let's also remember Rebecca Lee Crumpler, MD - the first African-American woman. In 1860, Dr. Crumpler earned a place at the New England Female Medical College and was awarded medical degree in 1864 despite hardships and interruption of the Civil War. In 1883, Dr. Crumpler published "Book of Medical Discourses" offering guidance on maternal and child health. https://www.nps.gov/people/dr-rebecca-lee-crumpler.htm#:~:text=Rebecca Lee Crumpler was the,and African Americans in medicine
Geneva, NY is where the spark for the The Sixth Level was lit! Shelley, your posts are speaking to me. Have you read it yet? I will send you a signed copy :-) www.TheSixthLevel.com
#The life of a trailblazer isn’t easy! #Someone must do it. #Be the one to step forward and pave the way for others! #From Seattle, WA • USA
Thank you for posting this! I lived in Blackwell Cottage on Walnut Park at Syracuse University for all four years of my education. We were well aware if her contributions!
It says a lot.
"It's not easy to be a pioneer but oh it is fascinating. I would not trade...even the worse moment for all the riches in the world.." What a wonderfully resilient and tenacious woman who never saw herself as a victim of circumstance but rather a trailbrazer to bring forth change!
Wow thank you for telling this story. Such an inspiration that women can do anything.
The first female physician. A profile to be emulated! ♥️
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4dThere is also a famous botanical illustrator from the 1700s named Elizabeth Blackwell. Maybe you could do a video on her. She wrote A Curious Herbal (1735) which identified the medical uses of plants. She did all the illustrations, etchings and handcoloring in the book. https://www.botanicalartandartists.com/about-elizabeth-blackwell.html