Anna Lukens

ANNA LUKENS A woman of the century (page 487 crop)

Anna Lukens (1844–1920) was an American physician and one of the first women to practice medicine in the United States. She was a pioneering figure in the field of medicine, particularly in the area of women's health.

Early Life and Education

Anna Lukens was born in 1844 in New York City. She developed an early interest in science and medicine, which led her to pursue a career in the medical field. Lukens attended the Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania, one of the few institutions at the time that accepted women into its medical programs. She graduated with a M.D. degree in 1870.

Medical Career

After completing her education, Lukens began her medical practice in New York City. She was one of the first female physicians to be admitted to the staff of the New York Infirmary for Women and Children, an institution founded by Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman to receive a medical degree in the United States. Lukens specialized in obstetrics and gynecology, areas of medicine that were particularly underserved for women at the time.

Contributions to Medicine

Anna Lukens made significant contributions to the field of women's health. She was an advocate for better medical care for women and children and worked tirelessly to improve the standards of medical practice. Lukens was also involved in the women's suffrage movement, believing that women's rights were essential for the advancement of society.

Later Life and Legacy

Lukens continued to practice medicine until her retirement in the early 1900s. She passed away in 1920, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to the medical profession and the advancement of women's health. Her work paved the way for future generations of female physicians.

See Also

• Elizabeth Blackwell
• Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania
• New York Infirmary for Women and Children
• Women's suffrage in the United States