Eliza Maria Mosher

Eliza Maria Mosher (October 2, 1846 – October 16, 1928) was an American physician, educator, and medical writer. She was the first woman to be appointed as a faculty member at the University of Michigan and was a pioneer in the field of physical education for women.

Early life and education[edit | edit source]

Eliza Maria Mosher was born on October 2, 1846, in New York. She attended the New England Female Medical College, where she graduated in 1871. She then went on to study at the University of Michigan, where she received her M.D. in 1875.

Career[edit | edit source]

After graduating, Mosher worked as a physician in Brooklyn, New York. In 1896, she was appointed as the first Dean of Women and Professor of Hygiene at the University of Michigan, a position she held until 1902. During her tenure, she introduced a mandatory physical education program for female students, which was a first in the United States.

In addition to her work in education, Mosher was also a prolific medical writer. She authored numerous articles on topics such as anatomy, physiology, and hygiene, and was the editor of the American Journal of Obstetrics and Diseases of Women and Children.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Mosher's contributions to the field of physical education and women's health have had a lasting impact. Her work has been recognized by the American Medical Association and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. The Eliza Mosher Health Center at the University of Michigan is named in her honor.