The Doctors Blackwell: How Two Pioneering Sisters Brought Medicine to Women and Women to Medicine

In the 19th century, women's roles in healthcare, access to medical education, and rights regarding their health became a major issue in broader discussions about gender equality. At the beginning of the 19th century, the medical profession was dominated by men. Women were excluded from formal medical education and professional practice due to societal and scientific rationales of the time, which followed the belief that women were inherently unsuited for the rigors of medical training. This exclusion was reinforced by educational institutions that did not admit women and professional associations that barred female members. Additionally, women’s health issues were often misunderstood or neglected by male doctors. Conditions specific to women, such as childbirth, menstruation, and reproductive health, were frequently dismissed or mismanaged. This neglect highlighted the need for women doctors who could advocate for and address the unique health concerns of women patients.

The mid-19th century saw the beginnings of changes driven by broader social movements advocating for women's rights and the professionalization of medicine. The Women's Rights Movement, which gained momentum in the 1840s and 1850s, called for equal access to education, including medical education. One of the most notable figures of this era was Elizabeth Blackwell, who became the first woman to receive a medical degree in the United States. Blackwell faced repeated rejections from medical schools and discrimination from peers and professors. However, her perseverance set a precedent and inspired other women to pursue medical careers. Her success also led to the establishment of the New York Infirmary for Women and Children in 1857, which provided medical care for the underserved and clinical training for women doctors. This institution became a crucial platform for women in medicine by offering practical experience and mentorship.

During the latter half of the 19th century, more formal institutions to support women's medical education were established. The Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania, founded in 1850, was one of the first medical schools dedicated to the education of women. Similar institutions, including the New England Female Medical College and the London School of Medicine for Women, soon followed. These schools provided structured medical education, facilitated the entry of women into the medical profession, and challenged the prevailing stereotypes about women's intellectual and physical capabilities. Another significant milestone was the founding of the American Medical Women's Association (AMWA). Although founded in 1915, it had its roots in the efforts and achievements of 19th-century women.

Despite many advances, women faced persistent challenges throughout the 19th century in medicine. Institutional resistance, gender bias, and societal expectations limited their opportunities and professional recognition. Women doctors often had to work harder than their male counterparts to prove their competence and gain the respect of their peers. However, these struggles and achievements ultimately had broader implications for the women's rights movement. By breaking barriers in a highly respected profession, these women could challenge societal norms, demonstrate women's broader capabilities and potential, and provide an argument for further activism in education, employment, and political rights. The presence of female doctors in medicine also improved healthcare for women and children by addressing long-standing gaps in medical care. They brought new perspectives to patient care, often advocating for preventive medicine and approaches that considered the social determinants of health.