Lucy Bement

Lucy Bement

Name	Lucy Bement
Birth name
Birth date	(1877-03-15)15 March 1877
Birth place	New York City, United States
Death date	22 November 1962(1962-11-22) (aged 85)
Death place	Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Alma mater
Occupation	Physician, Educator
Years active
Organization
Known for	Pioneering work in pediatrics and medical education
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Lucy Bement (March 15, 1877 – November 22, 1962) was an American physician and educator renowned for her contributions to the field of pediatrics and her role in advancing medical education for women in the early 20th century. She was a trailblazer in her field, advocating for improved healthcare for children and the inclusion of women in medical professions.

Early Life and Education

Lucy Bement was born in New York City to a family that valued education and public service. She attended the prestigious Vassar College, where she developed a keen interest in the sciences. After graduating with honors in 1898, she pursued a medical degree at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, one of the few institutions at the time that admitted women. She graduated in 1902, among the top of her class.

Medical Career

After completing her medical degree, Bement began her residency at the Boston Children's Hospital, where she specialized in pediatrics. Her work focused on the treatment and prevention of childhood diseases, and she was particularly interested in the effects of nutrition on child development.

In 1910, Bement joined the faculty of the Harvard Medical School as one of the first female professors. She was instrumental in developing the curriculum for pediatric medicine and was a strong advocate for hands-on clinical training for medical students.

Contributions to Pediatrics

Bement's research in pediatrics led to significant advancements in the understanding of childhood diseases. She published numerous papers on topics such as rickets, measles, and whooping cough. Her work emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and preventive care, which helped to reduce child mortality rates significantly during her time.

Advocacy for Women in Medicine

Throughout her career, Lucy Bement was a staunch advocate for women in medicine. She mentored many young women entering the field and worked tirelessly to ensure that they had equal opportunities in medical education and practice. Her efforts contributed to the gradual acceptance of women in medical schools and hospitals across the United States.

Legacy

Lucy Bement's legacy is marked by her dedication to improving pediatric care and her pioneering role in medical education for women. She received numerous awards for her contributions to medicine, including the American Medical Association's Distinguished Service Award in 1955.

Also see

• Pediatrics
• Women in medicine
• History of medical education in the United States
• Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
• Harvard Medical School