A SHORT HISTORY OF MEDICINE AND THE RISE OF FEMALE PHYSICIANS
Candina Harmer
Dr. Patrice LeClerc, Faculty Mentor
St. Lawrence University McNair Scholars Program
During United States history, there have been changes in both the course of medicine and those who have been able to train and practice medicine as doctors. In the early years, there was no set standard for those training to become doctors, nor were there any licensure procedures. Throughout this time, women had always been healers but had not always had the privileges afforded to men. It was not until 1849 that the United States produced its first female physician, Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell. The road women traveled to become physicians was not easy for them, but they persevered to gain a recognized position within the medical community. While women have gained the right to be called doctors, they are still not equal in medical society today. This research involves a short look into medical history, the lives of five influential women physicians, and reviews the position female physicians have today in the medical community.