Women In History Who Paved The Way For Medical Professionals

March is Women’s History Month, and since our organization comprises of women in optics, we wanted to celebrate with you! The theme for International Women’s Day was “Accelerate Action,” so this month, we are highlighting two women who have made meaningful contributions to the medical industry — and they happen to be sisters!

These women helped pave the way for us, and their contributions continue to shape our industry. 

Elizabeth Blackwell was the first woman to earn a medical degree in the U.S. She graduated from Geneva Medical College in New York in 1849 and went on to further her knowledge in Europe before returning to the United States to create the New York Infirmary for Women and Children in 1857. This institution provided women with much-needed medical care and offered training and employment to make medical careers more accessible for women. 

“It is not easy to be a pioneer - but oh, it is fascinating! I would not trade one moment, even the worst moment, for all the riches in the world.” - Elizabeth Blackwell

Today, the Elizabeth Blackwell Medal is awarded yearly to honor women who have made significant contributions in the medical field. 

Elizabeth’s sister, Emily Blackwell, helped Elizabeth found the Infirmary for Women and Children. From Emily, we can learn lessons on perseverance and focus. She was rejected from several medical schools, including the one that accepted her sister. After starting her degree, the school she attended in Chicago caved to outside pressures and dismissed her. Undeterred and still motivated to earn her degree, Emily earned her medical degree in Cleveland. Like her sister, she travelled throughout Europe to study further. Once she joined her sister’s foundation, Emily immediately took charge of infirmary management and fundraising, eventually expanding it into social work, in-home health care, and nurse training. 

When Elizabeth went to Europe to further her studies, Emily became the dean of the college and continued as a professor of obstetrics. She grew the medical program from the standard at the time of a three-year degree to a 4-year degree — which is still the standard for a doctorate today. During their time at the institution, 384 women earned their medical degrees, with several students transferring to Cornell, which had begun to accept both men and women equally. 

These women not only paved the way for themselves but helped countless lives and inspired, mentored, and grew several women into the medical profession. By breaking down barriers, working towards accessibility of care, and creating opportunities for women, these sisters have accelerated action and made their mark in our field. 

"It's not who you are, who you are friends, and how popular they are, it's just about how much you get out of each friendship and how much you learn from each one that counts." -Emily Blackwell

As a female in the medical industry, I can’t help but feel inspired and grateful to these sisters for paving the way and working to accelerate the path for women. The quote above from Emily Blackwell, reminds me to continue learning, growing, and pushing forward. Who have you learned from, Who inspires you? Make sure to give those women a shoutout this month!

Written by: Nicole Joli

Elizabeth Blackwell stamp image via Wikipedia