In 1845, Elizabeth Blackwell decided to study the field of medicine. This thought was supported by her friend who was dying of cancer, and suggested there be female doctors too instead of just male doctors. Since Blackwell got rejected from all the medical universities she applied to, just because she was a woman, it was a surprise when she got accepted to Geneva Medical School. The students there thought her admittance was a joke, and at first, they did not treat her fairly, but later she proved to them that she was a worthy physician.
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After much hard work, Elizabeth Blackwell had finally graduated from Geneva Medical School top of her class. Blackwell had gained support from many people and had her graduating ceremony in Presbyterian Church in Geneva, New York. Her brother, Henry, who attended the ceremony, described this event to his family in a letter.
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Geneva, January 23d 1849
Beloved Relatives
The important crisis is past - the great occasion over - the object of so much & so justifiable anticipation has been attained ... About half past 10 o'clock E. & I walked up to the church ... it was arranged that Eliz. & I should sit down at the entrance of the left aisle and join the procession as it came up ... We found the church - galleries and all, crowded with ladies, they only having been as yet admitted & of course when we came in there was a general stir & murmur & everybody turned to look at us. By the time the procession came up- all the pews except those reserved for them were filled ... After a short discourse by Dr. Hale the President - the diplomas were conferred - 4 being called at a time - and ascending the steps to the platform the President addressed them in a latin formula - taking off his hat, but remaining seated - & so handed them their diplomas, which they received with a bow & retired. Eliz. was left to the last & called up alone - the President taking off his hat, rose & addressing her in the same formula - substituting Domina for Domine, presented her the diploma - whereupon our Sis. who had walked up & stood before him with much dignity bowed & half turned to retire but suddenly turning back replied Sir I thank you - by the help of the Most High, it shall be the effort of my life to shed honour upon your diploma - whereupon she bowed & the President bowed - the audience gave manifestations of applause - little Dr. Webster rubbed his hands - the learned curators & faculty nodded grave approbation at each other upon the platform & our Sis. descending the steps took her seat with her fellow-physicians in front ....
Yours ever, HBB
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Geneva, January 23d 1849
Beloved Relatives
The important crisis is past - the great occasion over - the object of so much & so justifiable anticipation has been attained ... About half past 10 o'clock E. & I walked up to the church ... it was arranged that Eliz. & I should sit down at the entrance of the left aisle and join the procession as it came up ... We found the church - galleries and all, crowded with ladies, they only having been as yet admitted & of course when we came in there was a general stir & murmur & everybody turned to look at us. By the time the procession came up- all the pews except those reserved for them were filled ... After a short discourse by Dr. Hale the President - the diplomas were conferred - 4 being called at a time - and ascending the steps to the platform the President addressed them in a latin formula - taking off his hat, but remaining seated - & so handed them their diplomas, which they received with a bow & retired. Eliz. was left to the last & called up alone - the President taking off his hat, rose & addressing her in the same formula - substituting Domina for Domine, presented her the diploma - whereupon our Sis. who had walked up & stood before him with much dignity bowed & half turned to retire but suddenly turning back replied Sir I thank you - by the help of the Most High, it shall be the effort of my life to shed honour upon your diploma - whereupon she bowed & the President bowed - the audience gave manifestations of applause - little Dr. Webster rubbed his hands - the learned curators & faculty nodded grave approbation at each other upon the platform & our Sis. descending the steps took her seat with her fellow-physicians in front ....
Yours ever, HBB
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As a graduate from Geneva Medical School, this diploma made Elizabeth Blackwell the first woman to graduate from a medical university in the U.S. This was one of the biggest achievements she ever made in her life. It wasn’t easy to even get into a medical college as a woman, and even when Blackwell was admitted to Geneva, she wasn’t really treated well. But she never gave up and she graduated top of her class in 1849.