Emily Barringer

Emily Barringer (April 27, 1876 – April 3, 1961) was an American physician and women's rights activist. She was the first woman to be admitted to the ambulance corps and the first woman to practice surgery in Spain.

Early life and education

Barringer was born in Dayton, Ohio, to a family of educators. She attended Wellesley College for her undergraduate studies, where she developed an interest in medicine. She then attended the Cornell University Medical College, becoming one of the first women to graduate from the institution.

Career

After graduating from medical school, Barringer joined the New York Infirmary for Women and Children, where she worked under the guidance of Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman to receive a medical degree in the United States. In 1902, Barringer became the first woman to be admitted to the ambulance corps, a significant achievement given the physical demands of the role and the prevailing societal norms of the time.

In 1914, Barringer traveled to Spain to assist in the war effort during World War I. She became the first woman to practice surgery in the country, working in a hospital in Madrid.

Activism

Throughout her career, Barringer was a vocal advocate for women's rights, particularly in the field of medicine. She was a founding member of the American Women's Hospitals Service, an organization that provided medical care to women and children in war-torn regions. She also served as the president of the American Medical Women's Association from 1925 to 1926.

Legacy

Barringer's pioneering work in medicine and her advocacy for women's rights have left a lasting impact. Her achievements paved the way for future generations of women in medicine, and her efforts to provide medical care to those in need have saved countless lives.