Who was Elizabeth Blackwell? 

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Born on February 3, 1821 in Bristol, England, Elizabeth Blackwell was the first woman to graduate from an American medical school. She was an advocate for women in medicine, founding a women’s medical college and hospital later in her career. 

 

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Why did she want to become a physician?

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Blackwell initially disliked the thought of pursuing a career in medicine. She had no interest in the human body and all of the illnesses associated with it. However, she was inspired to become a physician by her friend who had a terminal illness. Blackwell’s friend told her that she would have much preferred a female doctor to treat her sickness rather than a male doctor. Her friend believed that if she were under the care of a woman, she would have felt less embarrassed and would have avoided a great amount of pain and suffering. 

 

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How did she start her path to becoming a doctor?

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After deciding to pursue medicine, Blackwell did not know where to begin. She first reached out to family connections in the medical profession and asked for their advice. They all told her the same thing: it would be impossible. Formal medical training was not available to women at that time, but Blackwell was determined. She became a mentee to two of her physician friends before applying to medical school. Blackwell received many rejections from the schools she applied to but was finally admitted to Geneva Medical College, located in New York, in 1847.

 

Little did she know, her acceptance was not based on merit or skill but was done in jest by the student body. The college administration did not believe a woman could succeed at their all-male institution and let the medical students vote for her admission: they flippantly agreed. 

 

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What challenges did she face in medical school and beyond? 

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• Looked down upon by professors, faculty, patients, and locals

• Forced to sit separately from her classmates during lectures 

• Not allowed to participate in labs

• Turned away by patients 

• Constantly needed to prove herself and that she deserved to be there 

• Tasked with nursing and midwifery after graduation despite having a greater desire to perform surgery 

• Rejected from jobs 

 

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How did she respond to these challenges? 

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Blackwell was extremely dedicated and persistent in her studies, graduating at the top of her class in 1849. In keeping her nose to the grindstone, she gained the respect of her fellow classmates and professors, many of whom did not believe in her ability to succeed at Geneva Medical College. In order to further her medical expertise, Blackwell persevered. Despite the judgment. Despite the obstacles. Despite the fear of failing.

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After experiencing little success in getting the opportunities she desired and constantly being dismissed by male physicians, Blackwell decided to pave her own path and start her own practice. 

 

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What were her other achievements? 

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In 1857, she founded the New York Infirmary for Women and Children with her sister, Emily Blackwell, and Marie Zakrzewska, both of whom were also physicians. This hospital provided medical services for women in need. In 1868, Elizabeth Blackwell set up a medical college in order to provide training for aspiring female doctors. Several years later, she became a professor at the London School of Medicine for Women, continuing to guide and inspire young women who were pursuing a career in medicine.

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What can I take away from Elizabeth Blackwell’s story? 

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1. Your passions may change unpredictably - it’s okay!

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You do not have to experience a life-changing event like Elizabeth Blackwell to switch passions. It may be as simple as having an interesting conversation or watching a compelling movie that sparks your desire to learn or try something new. When I was a sophomore in high school, I remember finding my love for film and animation when I saw the Pixar short “Bao” by Domee Shi. I was inspired by how this short film was able to make me and my family laugh while conveying a deep and brilliant message. I can envision myself doing something like that and try to find ways to challenge my creativity daily.

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2. Be tenacious

 

Blackwell persisted throughout medical school to achieve the goal she envisioned herself accomplishing from the start. She refused to let self-doubt and scorn from others stop her from becoming a doctor. However, you may be thinking, this is easier said than done. And, I completely agree. Persevering during a challenging time is definitely harder to act on than writing it down on paper. We do not have an endless supply of motivation and confidence to finish what we aspire for. Also, there may be barriers established in our society that prevent you from going where you want to be. 

 

So what do we do? The answer is more complex than any advice I can offer. There is no singular piece of wisdom that can act as a universal antidote. But, I do know this: it is better to go through a tough time with a friend by your side than alone. No matter how confident you are that you can achieve your definition of success solo, you will face a much more strenuous journey compared to one in which you seek out help and support. Don’t just be tenacious in going after what you want but, also be tenacious in looking for help whenever and wherever you can. 

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3. If you’re not able to find the right thing for you, why not create it yourself?

 

After facing rejection after rejection and being pushed to the side, Blackwell knew that she was not meeting her full potential and, for this reason, became her own boss. If you have an idea that you don’t think is represented to the extent that you would like it to be or has not been fully appreciated, go out and make it happen yourself! You may not be able to predict whether or not your new idea does well, but you also cannot predict the potential it has to expand and create new opportunities for you! 

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Works Cited: 

 

• Biography.com Editors. “Elizabeth Blackwell Biography.” The Biography.com Website, A&E Networks Television, 2 Apr. 2014, www.biography.com/scientist/elizabeth-blackwell. Accessed 2 July, 2020. 

• “Changing the Face of Medicine | Elizabeth Blackwell.” U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, 14 Oct. 2003, cfmedicine.nlm.nih.gov/physicians/biography_35.html. Accessed 2 July, 2020. 

• Michals, Debra. "Elizabeth Blackwell." National Women's History Museum. National Women's History Museum, 2015. Accessed 2 July, 2020.