First American Female Physician

 

Elizabeth Blackwell (1821-1910) was the first American woman physician. She studied privately at first and in 1845 was finally, after many rejections, admitted to Geneva Medical College in Geneva, New York. After graduating she went to Europe to continue her studies.

Elizabeth returned to the United States with her sister Emily, who was by them also a physician. They trained Union Army nurses during the Civil War.

In 1868 Elizabeth helped to found the Women’s Medical College of New York Infirmary. In 1869, she moved to England and spent the rest of her life teaching and working to advance medical opportunities for women.