Our guest speaker gave the branch an extremely interesting, talk with slides, about 19th century women who were determined to qualify to practice medicine in the UK.
Although women could become nurses and midwives it was thought in this era that they would not cope with the rigours of a medical education. Hence medical schools were closed to them. But despite the many obstacles put in their way several women eventually did become qualified to practice medicine. Toni told us about their education, training, careers and lives of some of the first female doctors in the country.
Dr James Barry (1795 – 1865) had a highly successful career as a ‘male’ military surgeon. After death his/her gender became the cause of speculation.
Dr Elizabeth Blackwell (1821 – 1910) is the first female doctor on the British medical register. Born in England she was refused entry to any British school of medicine and had to go to America to gain her degree.
Dr Elizabeth Garrett Anderson (1836 – 1917), became the first British female to enter a medical school in Britain, gain a degree and be registered on the British medical register.
Sandra Marvin
Next Meeting
Friday 14th July 2017 'Herne Bay Guided Walk' Led by members of Herne Bay Historic Records Society