Pioneer Work in Opening the Medical Profession to WomenBlackwell, Elizabeth
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Pioneer Work in Opening the Medical Profession to Women
Blackwell, Elizabeth
Blackwell, Elizabeth, 1821-1910; Women physicians -- United States -- Biography
It was during this visit to England that the important step was
taken of placing a woman’s name on the authorised Medical Register of
the United Kingdom. Influential friends were desirous of keeping me
in England. They presented the various testimonials of English and
Continental study given by distinguished physicians and credentials
of American practice to the Medical Council. On this council, of
which Sir Benjamin Brodie was president, were old friends of the
St. Bartholomew’s days. The subject was very carefully considered,
and after mature deliberation this just and important concession
to qualified women was authorised. I had the satisfaction of being
enrolled as a recognised physician of my native land in the Medical
Register of January 1, 1859.
_To Dr. Emily Blackwell, New York_
May 13, 1859.
My letter this week must be rather short, for I am
overwhelmed with all sorts of engagements previous to leaving
for Birmingham, where I give my first provincial lecture
next Monday. I have communicated to our little committee
Madame de Noailles’s insistence upon a country site for
the hospital, and also the necessity that exists for not
abandoning our work in New York until the institutions there
are self-supporting. They are very much disappointed by
the country condition attached to the hospital; but were I
settled in England and working there, it would not discourage
them. But all our friends seem to think that as the New York
Infirmary is the best argument that can be used for English
work, its downfall would be an irreparable misfortune, and
they are willing, under the circumstances, to let me go.
Indeed, I find it necessary to come to a decision myself,
and after carefully weighing everything I have made up my
mind to return, at any rate for some time. I can secure any
amount of personal interest from various quarters; but as
the prospect of speedily realising an institution where we
could both work is put farther off, I do not wish to stay
under the circumstances....
Edgbaston: May 17,1859.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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