Bertha Van Hoosen

Bertha Van Hoosen

Bertha Van Hoosen (1863–1952) was a pioneering American physician, surgeon, and educator known for her significant contributions to medicine and for advocating for women's rights in the medical profession. Born in Stoney Creek, Michigan, Van Hoosen grew up on a farm in a family that valued education. She pursued her medical education at the University of Michigan Medical School, overcoming significant gender-based barriers to complete her degree in 1888.

After graduation, Van Hoosen faced challenges in establishing her practice due to widespread gender discrimination in the medical field. Despite these obstacles, she became a successful surgeon and obstetrician, developing innovative techniques in obstetrics and gynecology that contributed to lowering maternal and infant mortality rates. Van Hoosen was particularly known for her development of the "buttonhole" technique in appendicitis surgery, which significantly reduced post-operative complications.

In addition to her medical practice, Van Hoosen was a passionate advocate for the advancement of women in medicine. She was a founding member of the American Medical Women's Association (AMWA) in 1915, an organization dedicated to supporting women physicians and addressing gender inequities in the medical profession. Through her work with the AMWA and other platforms, she fought for the recognition and rights of women doctors, advocating for equal opportunities in education, training, and professional development.

Van Hoosen also contributed to medical education, teaching at the University of Michigan and later at the Northwestern University Medical School. Her commitment to education extended beyond the classroom; she authored several medical texts and memoirs that provided insights into the challenges and achievements of women in the medical field.

Throughout her career, Bertha Van Hoosen received numerous accolades for her contributions to medicine and her advocacy for women's rights. Her legacy is preserved through the Bertha Van Hoosen Library at the AMWA's headquarters and through various awards and scholarships established in her name to support women in medicine.

Van Hoosen's life and work remain an inspiration to many in the medical profession, particularly women, highlighting the importance of perseverance, innovation, and advocacy in overcoming barriers and effecting change.