“My mind is fully made up, I have not the slightest hesitation on the subject…the thorough study of medicine I am quite resolved to go through with and all opposition only makes my determination stronger. It has become one of my fixes ideas – you know I have such… The horrors and disgusts I have no doubt of vanquishing. I have overcome stronger distastes than any than now remain & feel fully equal to the contest. As for the opinion of people, I don’t care one straw personally though I take so much pains as a matter of policy, to propitiate it…and mean to let my light shine before as many men as possible…
Elizabeth Blackwell letter to Marian Blackwell, 7 November 1846, LC
“The Excellent Doctor Blackwell” by Julia Boyd. Thistle Publishing 2013
Elizabeth Blackwell is a name that resonates even today, decades after her passing. Her legacy as the first female doctor in the United States continues to inspire many women around the world who aspire to break gender barriers and pursue their dreams.
Despite facing 29 rejections from all medical schools she had applied, Elizabeth persevered and was eventually accepted into a small Medical College in Geneva, New York. However, her journey was far from easy. The students in her class initially thought it was a joke that a woman was applying to become a doctor, but Elizabeth remained undeterred. Her desire to become a doctor was sparked by a family friend who suggested that she should study medicine given her high intellectual capabilities. Despite the discouragement from her own family and the medical community, Elizabeth remained steadfast in her commitment.
She was advised to study abroad, but unfortunately, no medical schools accepted women then. After enduring the real and imagined hostility of the townspeople for two years, and attending all-male medical classes, Elizabeth received her degree from Hobart and William Smith Colleges. Her tenacity and perseverance paid off, and she became a trailblazer for women in medicine.
Many people experience doubts about their chosen paths, and aspiring doctors are no exception. It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the length of medical school, the difficulty of the obstacles, and the high costs of tuition. However, Elizabeth Blackwell’s story teaches us that it is worth enduring the sleepless nights, the limited time for ourselves, family, and friends, and the medical debts to become a doctor. If our goal is to help others, the pain will be worth it in the end.
In conclusion, Elizabeth Blackwell’s journey is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience and perseverance. Her achievements continue to inspire generations of women and serve as a reminder that with determination, grit, and hard work, anything is possible.
