There's More To the Story

Post (C) Doris McCraw

aka Angela Raines

Image (C) Doris McCraw

This post will not surprise those who know me and my passion for history, especially the Women Doctors. Many know of Elizabeth Blackwell and her admittance and graduation from Geneva Medical College. But there is more to her story and the story of women doctors. 

Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell
Image from Wikipedia

At one time, Blackwell had found the idea of studying medicine abhorrent as related in her book "Pioneer Work in Opening the Medical Profession to Women" published in 1895. A dear friend, who suffered greatly during her treatments, told Elizabeth, “You are fond of study, have health and leisure; why not study medicine? If I could’ve been treated by a lady doctor, my worst sufferings would have been spared me.” 

Dr. Hariot K. Hunt
photo from the National Park Service site.

Did you know, that before Blackwell even thought of medical school, a woman in Boston was a practicing physician? Harriot Kezia Hunt, in her book "Glances and Glimpses" published in 1856 tells her story of what led her to the practice of medicine and the social climate at that time. She began practicing medicine in Boston in 1835 and was well-known in her lifetime for her work to help empower women.

Dr, Sarah Hackett Stevenson
image from Northwestern Univeristy site.

In 1876 Dr Sarah Hackett Stevenson was the first woman to join the American Medical Association. She was a delegate from the Illinois Medical Society. She graduated from the Woman's Medical College in the class of 1874 and later was on staff at Cook County Hospital a first for a woman. She also wrote several books, which focused on educating the public on health.

There are so many more early women doctors whose stories are being found and told. Many of these early physicians were also involved in the suffrage movement. 

You can find Blackwell and Hnnt's autobiographies on Google Books. I personally found Hunt's the most fascinating read, but both contain rich history and personal thoughts.

Dr. Stevenson has many references to her in many of the publications of the late 1800s and early 1900s also on Google Books.

Make sure to watch for the upcoming "Christmas Quilt Brides" stories and my book in that series "Mack"

Until Next Time: Stay safe, Stay happy, and Stay healthy. 

Doris