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New York Times Bestseller Janice P. Nimura has resurrected Elizabeth and Emily Blackwell in all their feisty, thrilling, trailblazing splendor. ―Stacy SchiffElizabeth Blackwell believed from an early age that she was destined for a mission beyond the scope of ordinary womanhood. Though the world at first recoiled at the notion of a woman studying medicine, her intelligence and intensity ultimately won her the acceptance of the male medical establishment. In 1849, she became the first woman in America to receive an M.D. She was soon joined in her iconic achievement by her younger sister, Emily, who was actually the more brilliant physician.Exploring the sisters’ allies, enemies, and enduring partnership, Janice P. Nimura presents a story of trial and triumph. Together, the Blackwells founded the New York Infirmary for Indigent Women and Children, the first hospital staffed entirely by women. Both sisters were tenacious and visionary, but their convictions did not always align with the emergence of women’s rights―or with each other. From Bristol, Paris, and Edinburgh to the rising cities of antebellum America, this richly researched new biography celebrates two complicated pioneers who exploded the limits of possibility for women in medicine. As Elizabeth herself predicted, a hundred years hence, women will not be what they are now. 28 illustrations

In the annals of medical history, the names of Elizabeth and Emily Blackwell stand out as beacons of progress and empowerment. Their unwavering dedication to shattering gender barriers and paving the way for women in medicine culminated in a remarkable journey chronicled in Janice P. Nimura's captivating book, "The Doctors Blackwell: How Two Pioneering Sisters Brought Medicine to Women and Women to Medicine."

Born into a Quaker family in the early 19th century, Elizabeth and Emily Blackwell faced formidable obstacles in their pursuit of medical education. Despite the prevailing societal norms that relegated women to domestic roles, they dared to dream of a world where women could heal and be healers. Their unwavering determination led them to defy conventions and embark on a path that would forever transform the landscape of medicine.

Elizabeth Blackwell, the elder sister, encountered staunch resistance at every turn. Medical schools were closed to women, and she was repeatedly denied admission. Undeterred, she embarked on a solitary quest for knowledge, voraciously devouring medical texts and attending lectures disguised as a man. Her resilience and unwavering commitment eventually paid off when she gained admission to the Geneva Medical College in New York, becoming the first woman to receive a medical degree in the United States.

Emily Blackwell, inspired by her sister's trailblazing spirit, followed in Elizabeth's footsteps. Despite facing similar prejudice and discrimination, she persevered and became the third woman to earn a medical degree in the United States. Together, the Blackwell sisters established the New York Infirmary for Indigent Women and Children, a groundbreaking institution that provided medical care to underserved populations and offered training opportunities for female physicians.

Their pioneering efforts extended beyond the walls of the infirmary. Elizabeth and Emily Blackwell became ardent advocates for women's rights and tirelessly campaigned for equal access to medical education and practice. They founded the Women's Medical College of the New York Infirmary, the first medical school in the United States exclusively for women. This institution became a beacon of hope for aspiring female physicians, providing them with the opportunity to pursue their dreams of healing and making a meaningful difference in the world.

"The Doctors Blackwell" is a testament to the indomitable spirit of two remarkable women who defied societal norms and transformed the medical landscape. Their unwavering commitment to excellence, their unwavering belief in the power of education, and their relentless advocacy for women's rights left an indelible mark on history. Janice P. Nimura's meticulously researched and beautifully written book brings their inspiring story to life, reminding us of the transformative power of perseverance, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of equality.