In Who Says Women Can’t Be Doctors? The Story of Elizabeth Blackwell, author Tanya Lee Stone tells how Elizabeth Blackwell’s dream to become a doctor was finally realized. Elizabeth, the first American female to receive a medical degree was rejected by every medical school she applied to, until…
Elizabeth Blackwell
…the students at New York’s Geneva Medical College, thinking their teachers were only joking when they asked if a woman should be admitted, voted to let Elizabeth in. What a surprise when she showed up. Elizabeth outsmarted the entire class graduating with the highest grades in 1849.
Geneva Medical College
After graduation, Elizabeth was unable to find employment. It seemed that no one wanted to hire a female physician. Elizabeth sailed to Europe for additional training and returned to New York City where she opened her own medical practice.
Elizabeth also ran a free clinic teaching hygiene to poor women and children. With her sister Emily, the third American female to receive a medical degree, Elizabeth opened The New York Infirmary for Women and Children. Elizabeth later opened her own medical school at the Infirmary training woman as doctors.
Elizabeth Blackwell persevered and lived her dream, leading the way for American women physicians.
Who Says Women Can’t Be Doctors?: The Story of Elizabeth Blackwell is a beautifully told picture book biography with engaging illustrations by Marjorie Priceman for children.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
