Effie Alberta Read

Effie Alberta Read (born 1871, died 1950) was a notable American physician and medical educator. She was one of the pioneering women in the field of medicine during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, contributing significantly to the advancement of women's roles in healthcare.

Early Life and Education

Effie Alberta Read was born in 1871 in New York City. She showed an early interest in the sciences and pursued her education with determination. Read attended the New York Medical College and Hospital for Women, where she graduated with a medical degree in 1895. Her education was part of a broader movement during the late 19th century that saw an increasing number of women entering the medical profession.

Medical Career

After completing her medical degree, Read began her career at 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. Read's work at the infirmary focused on providing medical care to underserved populations, particularly women and children.

In 1900, Read joined the faculty of the Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania, where she served as a professor of pediatrics. Her tenure at the college was marked by her dedication to medical education and her efforts to mentor young women entering the field of medicine.

Contributions to Medicine

Effie Alberta Read made significant contributions to the field of pediatrics. She was known for her research on childhood diseases and her advocacy for better healthcare for children. Read published numerous articles in medical journals, sharing her findings and advancing the understanding of pediatric medicine.

Read was also an active member of several medical societies, including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Her involvement in these organizations helped to promote the role of women in medicine and to improve standards of medical care.

Legacy

Effie Alberta Read's legacy is marked by her contributions to medical education and her advocacy for women's roles in healthcare. She paved the way for future generations of women physicians and left an indelible mark on the field of pediatrics.

Personal Life

Effie Alberta Read remained dedicated to her career throughout her life. She never married and had no children, choosing instead to focus on her work and her students. Read passed away in 1950, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and service to the medical profession.

See Also

• Elizabeth Blackwell
• New York Medical College and Hospital for Women
• Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania
• American Medical Association
• American Academy of Pediatrics