"The First Woman Doctor" by Rachel Baker is the remarkable story of Elizabeth Blackwell the first woman to graduate from medical school in the United States.
Elizabeth Blackwell was born in England in 1821 and later moved with her family to America. In 1847, Elizabeth was accepted to Geneva Medical College in New York. Elizabeth faced many challenges as the only female in the class.Among other problems, some did not want her to examine male cadavers, but Elizabeth did eventually prevail and graduated first in her class.
After graduating in 1849, Elizabeth had trouble finding a position. A woman medical doctor was just unheard of at the time. After some time in Europe, Elizabeth returned to New York and opened a clinic for the poor which was also quite unusual for the period.
In the 1860s, Elizabeth Blackwell opened her own medical college for women.
I read The First Woman Doctor some years ago, and I found the story fascinating and well worth reading. I am still a little surprised that Doctor Blackwell does not get the recognition today that she so much deserves.
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