Early Action: Formation of Medical Ideas
Elizabeth Blackwell was born February 3, 1821 in Bristol, England. She and her family soon immigrated to the United States, eventually settling in Ohio. From a young age, Blackwell showed the ability to be independent. Much of this self-sufficient attitude began with the death of her father, soon after their move to Ohio.
"This irreparable loss completely altered our lives. Recovering from the first effects of the stunning blow, we began to realise our position, and the heavy responsibilities henceforth devolving on us. The three elder sisters set zealously to work, and in time establishes a day and boarding school for young ladies..." (Blackwell, pg. 11)
Blackwell established herself as a teacher, and soon moved to Kentucky to teach in a small schoolhouse. Though she enjoyed teaching, Elizabeth frequently found herself wishing for a more enthralling way to spend her time. However, it was when a good friend of Blackwell's died of a serious disease that Blackwell first considered medicine.
"She once said to me: 'You are fond of study, have health and leisure; why not study medicine? If i could have been treated by a lady doctor, my worst sufferings would have been spared me.' But I at once repudiated the suggestion as an impossible one..." (Blackwell, pg. 27)
Motivated by her friend's testimony, Blackwell eventually decided that she wanted to pursue a medical career, and moved to North Carolina to earn money to pay for medical school. She made money by teaching and giving music lessons.
"This irreparable loss completely altered our lives. Recovering from the first effects of the stunning blow, we began to realise our position, and the heavy responsibilities henceforth devolving on us. The three elder sisters set zealously to work, and in time establishes a day and boarding school for young ladies..." (Blackwell, pg. 11)
Blackwell established herself as a teacher, and soon moved to Kentucky to teach in a small schoolhouse. Though she enjoyed teaching, Elizabeth frequently found herself wishing for a more enthralling way to spend her time. However, it was when a good friend of Blackwell's died of a serious disease that Blackwell first considered medicine.
"She once said to me: 'You are fond of study, have health and leisure; why not study medicine? If i could have been treated by a lady doctor, my worst sufferings would have been spared me.' But I at once repudiated the suggestion as an impossible one..." (Blackwell, pg. 27)
Motivated by her friend's testimony, Blackwell eventually decided that she wanted to pursue a medical career, and moved to North Carolina to earn money to pay for medical school. She made money by teaching and giving music lessons.