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Elizabeth Blackwell Accomplishments

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Before Elizabeth Blackwell got her MD in 1849 no woman had ever been a doctor in America. Blackwell fought through massive sexism to even find a college which would accept her, and did not even become a doctor for her own passion for the medical field rather for the plea of an ill friend. Blackwell had a strong character. She was concerned with matters of justice and morality, she sought challenges, and she was a determined, strong willed person. These qualities made her outstandingly successful in her career. Her conviction to the just and fair alone made her career possible, for if she had not been so concerned with morality she would have given up far sooner. What made her so headstrong? Her past, like everyone’s, shaped her significantly. …show more content…

During this time period, the mid-1800s, jobs for women were limited if they even had jobs. There were three jobs: teacher, nurse, or secretary. Women who did not perform these jobs were doomed to a life of housework. This limited view on women was a major issue of the 19th to 20th century, inspiring many feminist revolutions and activism campaigns to change the perception of women as less than men. Blackwell improved the lives of women simply by breaking free of the limited choices she had. If not for Blackwell perhaps women would have never been allowed to be doctors. This is improbable, what is probable however, is that women would have had to wait a long time before someone with her talent and character showed up again. Blackwell also fought for equality outside of her profession and was involved with women’s rights activism. The impact of her young life on her character, her struggle to become a doctor in the mid 1800’s, the people who inspired and challenged her, and the lasting legacy of her work are all essential to understanding Elizabeth Blackwell as a person, and as a symbol of equality in American …show more content…

From there Blackwell traveled back to England to do fundraisers for women in the medical field and to increase awareness that women could be doctors. While in England she was the first woman to be entered into the Medical Register of the United Kingdom (Khalsa, 2012). Blackwell’s achievements pivoted the course for women not only in medicine in America, but also in the UK. Her influence reached many and opened career opportunities for a group often stifled by an oppressive patriarchy. Without Blackwell’s contributions to medicine and equality women would have had a far more difficult time attempting to achieve success on their

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