Essay Sample about Elizabeth Blackwell

January 23, 1849 was a normal day for most, but for one woman in particular, it was revolutionary. It was a day that gave so much hope and courage. A day that gave so much strength and power to so many women, all thanks to one incredible lady who had a passion for science but perhaps an even greater passion for helping and serving others. January 23, 1849 was the day that Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell received her Medical Degree from Geneva Medical College and became the first American woman to achieve this honor. Dr. Blackwell overcame sexual prejudices that were so prominent in her time and never listened to anyone that told her that what she wanted to achieve was impossible. January 23, 1849 was a day that I would have been so honored to witness as one day I hope to follow in Blackwell’s track and become a physician. It would have been amazing to cheer her on as she pursued her dream. 

Elizabeth Blackwell was born in England, but her contributions to the field of medicine were made in the United States. In 1832, the Blackwell family immigrated to America. Although she didn’t know it at the time, this move would provide the foundation for Blackwell to embark on her crusade of revolutionizing the field of medicine, especially for women. As Blackwell was finishing her high school education, career opportunities for women were extremely limited. Oftentimes, women became factory workers or housewives and being a doctor was nothing more than a dream. When she was in high school she loved her studies, but anatomy and physiology were repulsive to her and pursuing higher education was considered “unwomanly,” especially in the field of medicine. After meeting with a dying friend who believed that being treated by a female physician would have lessened her suffering, Blackwell made the decision to pursue a medical degree.  In 1847, Blackwell began seeking acceptance to medical school. She was denied at nearly every school she applied to, except for Geneva Medical College in Geneva, New York. The admissions committee at Geneva accepted her as more of a joke rather than considering her intellect. When she began her education, her male peers often harassed her, ostracized her, and at one point, she was even banned from being a part of class demonstrations. Nevertheless, she persisted and on January 23, 1849, she graduated at the top of her class and officially received the title of Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell. 

Following graduation from medical school, Dr. Blackwell embarked on a new goal to become a surgeon. She was aware that she needed more experience before practicing autonomously. She went to Paris where she gained priceless hands-on experience in the field of obstetrics and gynecology. While in Paris, her eye became contaminated with pus from a wound and became infected resulting in blindness and her hopes of being a surgeon were no longer. After recovering, Dr. Blackwell moved to the UK where she met Florence Nightingale. The two became fast friends as they shared a passion for hygiene and preventative care which was often overlooked at the time. Dr. Blackwell went on to open her infirmary and eventually her own medical college. The first graduating class had fifteen students that had been taught by nine faculty members, including Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell and her sister, Dr. Emily Blackwell. Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell was, and still is, a monumental figure in the field of medicine. Her contributions to obstetrics and gynecology and hygiene and preventative care forever changed the trajectory of medicine, especially for women. 

If I had been alive during the time that she was earning her degree and changing the field of medicine, I would have loved to be her biggest cheerleader during a time when her only cheerleader was herself. It would have been an honor to stand up and clap for her as she walked across the stage, shook a man’s hand, and officially became Dr. Blackwell. As an aspiring female physician, I have been so very lucky to have people cheering me on and supporting me as I pursue my passion. There are a multitude of programs that I have the opportunity to participate in  that all encourage me to follow my dream and deepen my knowledge of the field of medicine. To have similar experiences and cheerleaders available to Dr. Blackwell would have been most special. I would have loved to be an advocate and champion for other females that dreamt of becoming physicians but never received the chance. As an aspiring female physician, Dr. Blackwell is a huge inspiration. Her story of perseverance, hard work, and high standards for herself, is something that I look up to. January 23, 1849 would have been an incredible day to be a part of as it opened the door for female physicians to pursue their dreams and will always be a very important day in history.