Pioneering Female Obstetricians: Meet Dr. Jane Edmonds & Dr. Mary Walker

1. Dr. Jane C. Edmonds (1889-1970):

- Dr. Edmonds was an African American obstetrician and gynecologist. She was the first African American woman to complete a residency in obstetrics and gynecology in the United States.

- She practiced in Birmingham, Alabama, for many years and was a vocal advocate for the civil rights of African Americans.

- She was also active in the American Medical Women's Association and served as its president from 1950 to 1952.

2. Dr. Mary Edwards Walker (1832-1919):

- Dr. Walker was an American physician, surgeon, and women's rights activist. She was the first female doctor to graduate from medical school in the United States.

- During the Civil War, she served as an assistant surgeon for the Union Army. After the war, she continued practicing medicine and campaigned for women's suffrage.

- She was awarded the Medal of Honor for her service during the Civil War, becoming the first and only woman to receive this honor.

3. Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell (1821-1910):

- Dr. Blackwell was a British-American physician, suffragist, and social activist. She was the first woman to receive a medical degree in the United States.

- She opened a women's medical college in New York City and later founded the London School of Medicine for Women.

- She was also an advocate for women's rights and was involved in the suffrage movement.

4. Dr. Emily Blackwell (1826-1910):

- Dr. Blackwell was a British-American physician and activist. She was the third woman to receive a medical degree in the United States.

- She practiced medicine in the United States and Great Britain and was an advocate for women's suffrage.

- She co-founded the Women's Medical College in New York City with her sister, Elizabeth.

5. Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte (1865-1915):

- Dr. Picotte was the first Native American woman to receive a medical degree in the United States. She was a member of the Omaha tribe and practiced medicine on the Omaha Reservation in Nebraska.

- She was a strong advocate for the health and education of Native Americans and worked to improve the sanitation and living conditions on the reservation.

- She also served as a trustee for the Indian Industrial School in Genoa, Nebraska.