Elizabeth Blackwell's Impact On The Medical Profession

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From being accepted into medical school as a joke to opening up the world of medicine to women in America, Elizabeth Blackwell has been a truly uplifting figure to many. The mid-1800s were times of extreme prejudice and sexism; despite these odds, Blackwell prospered. She fought the prejudice and sexism, ignored the constant harassment, and had faith in herself when no one else would. Elizabeth Blackwell, the woman credited with becoming the first female physician of the United States, has greatly affected the medical field by inspiring potential doctors, educating about women’s rights and medicine, and securing equality for all members of the medical profession. Elizabeth Blackwell, a stubborn, determined individual, introduced the world …show more content…
Blackwell used her experiences to benefit the medical field; she helped establish prestigious artifacts of the medical world that still benefit health practitioners today. In addition to advocating for equality, Blackwell “travelled widely across Europe and became increasingly interested in social reform movements dedicated to women’s rights, family planning, hygiene, eugenics, medical education, sexual purity, and Christian socialism” (Markel). Aside from Blackwell’s education, she increased her own knowledge by speaking and listening to others talk about the issues. This process allowed her to educate more diversely about some of her key topics. Elizabeth Blackwell’s strong desire to educate can be viewed as a benefit to the medical field …show more content…
Even after Dr. Blackwell retired from medicine, she “fought tooth and nail to ensure that women entered and practised medicine on an equal footing with men” (Boyd 319). Blackwell not only fought for women, but she fought for majority equality. Her fight included female rights, but she wanted women and men to be treated equally. Following Blackwell’s incredible journey, “both Johns-Hopkins and Cornell universities began to enroll women medical students on equal terms with men” (Boyd 332). Elizabeth Blackwell’s determination also influenced the vast majority of America; her moving fight resulted in various colleges and businesses beginning to move toward

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