Influential people in the History of Medicine. By Emilie Greenwood Y10

Elizabeth Garrett Anderson In 1836, Elizabeth Garrett was born in Whitechapel, east London. Elizabeth came from a wealthy family of 12 children. During her childhood her father, who was a pawnbroker, became a successful business man which allowed him to send his children to good schools. After her education she was expected to marry and become and live the life of a lady. However, Elizabeth was inspired by Elizabeth Davis a feminist and Elizabeth Blackwell, who was the first woman in the United States to qualify as a doctor. Since then, Elizabeth was convinced she should become a doctor. Although at that time women had a very small part in medicine if at all, as they were believed to be to weak and emotional. Despite that Elizabeth was determined to get into medical school, although she was continuously turned away. So, she worked as a nurse whilst attending lectures for doctors, she was then forced to stop because of complaints from other students. Elizabeth then applied to the Society of Apothecaries as they did not specify that women were not accepted. They would not accept her so her father brought them to court. With no other possible option, they then admitted Elizabeth into the school but straight after changing the rules so that no one could do the same. Therefore not admitting any other women in the Society. In 1864, Elizabeth gained a certificate that enabled her to become a doctor. Elizabeth Garrett time period: 1750 to 1900

In 1866, with the help of her father Elizabeth established a dispensary for women in London. In 1870, she was made a visiting physician in the East London Hospital. In the mean time, she met James Anderson, who was a successful businessman, who she then later married in 1871 and with whom she had three children with. Despite her family she was still determined to get a medical degree so Elizabeth taught herself French and went to the university of Paris to gain her medical degree. Which the British medical register did not recognise as valuable qualifications. In 1872, Elizabeth founded the New hospital for Women, which was later renamed after her. The hospital’s entire staff was composed of women. Elizabeth Garrett was an inspiration to other women and made way for women in the medical path. As in 1876 an act was established which allowed women to enter the medical professions. In 1883, Elizabeth Anderson was appointed dean of the London School of Medicine for Women, which she previously helped build in 1874.

‘Basics to know’ – Elizabeth Garrett Anderson She improved to women’s access to the medical professions. By: Taking the Society of Apothecaries to court with the help of her father. Therefore getting herself registered as a doctor in Set up a medical practice in London. Gained a full medical degree in Paris, after teaching herself French. Helped establish the London medical school for Women in 1874 And because of the influence she had in the medical path, in 1876 the British government passed an act enable women to enter medical professions.