Elizabeth Blackwell's Medical Degree

Elizabeth Blackwell was born in Bristol, England on February 3, 1821. Blackwell was the first women to receive her medical degree in the United States of America. Elizabeth Blackwell would define success as receiving her medical degree, supporting other female health professions, and encouraging women have the capability to achieve their dreams. Elizabeth Blackwell was the daughter of Hannah Lane and Samuel Blackwell who had nine children. Elizabeth worked as a teacher along with her mother and two sisters(Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell). Growing up her father was such an inspiring man and he was commonly known for being a social activist as well as abolishing slavery. Being the father of nine children he raised them to think in a feminist ways(Harrison). Some of his daughters even followed in his footsteps and received their medical degrees. Blackwell was know for her amazing work ethic. She soon realized that teaching was not working out very well so she became a credentialed doctor. …show more content…
Once she got her degree she worked in hospitals in Paris and London(Elisabeth Blackwell Biography). Even though she graduated, many hospitals would not hire her just because she was a female. It had nothing to do with her work ethic. During this time, she worked as a midwife and learned more about personal hygiene. She decided to go back to the states to find a job, but sadly she was out of luck. No one would hire her and she even had a hard time finding a place to rent an apartment. While in New York some of her friends decided to help her and she opened up a clinic for poor women(Harrison). Finally in 1857, she opened a clinic and she named it the “New York Infirmary for Women and Children” with help from her sisters, Dr. Emily Blackwell and Dr. Marie Zakrzewska(“Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell”). Overtime, it grew and became a place for other female physicians to work and gain