March is Women’s History Month

The month of March is a time to reflect upon the struggles and milestones of women in our world and to appreciate the hard work and perseverance that have allowed many of us to lead better lives and to play a more prominent role in our society.  However, the struggle is not over despite the many gains.  It is easy to forget and take for granted the rights and privileges our foremothers worked so hard to gain. Just think about how medical research and clinical care would be if it was all done by men only!  What state would women’s health be in!? And not just women’s health.  Many of the contributions women have made have helped everyone!  Take a moment to appreciate some of the women who helped advance medicine. In 1849, Elizabeth Blackwell received her M.D. degree becoming the first female physician in America. After graduating top of her class she went on to work in clinics in London and Paris and studied midwifery at La Maternité.  Unfortunately, she had to give up her dream of becoming a surgeon when she lost the sight in one eye.  She returned to New York City in 1851 where she hoped to establish a practice. However, she faced many obstacles due to her sex until her sister, Dr. Emily Blackwell, joined her in 1856, and with Dr. Marie Zakrzewska they opened the New York Infirmary for Indignent Women and Children in 1857. Then in 1868 Blackwell and her colleagues opened the Woman’s Medical College of the New York Infirmary, a medical college for ...
Source: Dragonfly - Category: Databases & Libraries Authors: Tags: News From NN/LM PNR Source Type: news