Elizabeth Blackwell

Who was Elizabeth Blackwell? 

Elizabeth Blackwell was the first woman in the United States of America to graduate medical school. She was born in February 3, 1821 in Bristol, England. She worked as a teacher when her family moved to the United States in 1832. She then later decided to enter medical college and was the first one in her class to graduate. In the late 1860s, she started a school for women and returned to England to set up a private practice. 

What happened when they moved to the US? 

In 1832, they first lived in New York, then moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. After her father's death in 1838, her mother, her 2 older sisters, and herself worked as teachers. 

Why did decide to study to be a doctor? 

During her 20s, her friend had a deadly sickness and was embarrassed to go to male doctors. It was because of this that Elizabeth black well decide to become a doctor. 

Where did she study? 

Elizabeth studied with other doctors until she was accepted to join Geneva Medical College in New York in 1847. To the other students, Blackwell's being accepted appeared to be a joke. Being the first ranked in her class, she graduated in 1847. 

What did she do with her education? 

During the 1850s, she started a clinic known as the New York Dispensary for Poor Women and Children. Also started the New York Infirmary for Indigent Women and Children in 1857 with help from her sister and fellow doctor Emily Black well. Elizabeth also had help from physician Marie Zakrewska. Elizabeth Blackwell also helped start the United States Sanitary Commision in 1861, having maintained good sanitary conditions. 

Did she ever return to England? 

Yes. She returned to England and became a lecturer in the London School of Medicine for Women. After that, she moved to Hastings, England, where she died in May 31, 1910.