Margaret Cleaves

MARGARET ABIGAIL CLEAVES

Margaret Abigail Cleaves (1848–1917) was an American physician, psychiatrist, and pioneer in the field of electrotherapy. She was one of the first women to practice medicine in the United States and made significant contributions to the treatment of mental illness and the use of electricity in medical treatments.

Early Life and Education

Margaret Cleaves was born in 1848 in Iowa. She pursued her medical education at the University of Iowa, where she graduated with a medical degree in 1873. Cleaves was among the first women to graduate from this institution, marking a significant milestone in the history of women in medicine.

Medical Career

After completing her education, Cleaves began her medical practice in Des Moines, Iowa. She specialized in the treatment of mental illnesses and became a prominent figure in the field of psychiatry. Cleaves was particularly interested in the use of electrotherapy for treating various conditions, including mental disorders.

Contributions to Electrotherapy

Cleaves was a pioneer in the use of electrotherapy, a treatment method that involves the use of electrical currents to stimulate nerves and muscles. She conducted extensive research on the therapeutic effects of electricity and published several papers on the subject. Her work laid the foundation for the modern use of electrotherapy in medical treatments.

Advocacy and Professional Involvement

Margaret Cleaves was an active member of several medical organizations, including the American Medical Association and the American Electro-Therapeutic Association. She was also a strong advocate for the inclusion of women in the medical profession and worked tirelessly to promote the education and professional development of female physicians.

Later Life and Legacy

Cleaves continued her medical practice and research until her death in 1917. Her contributions to the fields of psychiatry and electrotherapy have had a lasting impact on medical science. She is remembered as a trailblazer for women in medicine and a pioneer in the use of innovative treatment methods.

See Also

• Electrotherapy
• Psychiatry
• Women in medicine
• University of Iowa