Marie Elizabeth Zakrzewska

American physician and women's rights advocate

Marie Elizabeth Zakrzewska (September 6, 1829 – May 12, 1902) was a pioneering physician and a prominent advocate for women's rights in the United States. She played a crucial role in the development of medical education for women and was instrumental in establishing several important medical institutions.

Early life and education

Marie Elizabeth Zakrzewska

Marie Elizabeth Zakrzewska was born in Berlin, Prussia, to a family with a strong tradition in medicine. Her mother, Caroline Friederike Wilhelmine Urban Zakrzewska, was a midwife, and her father, Ludwig Martin Zakrzewski, was a civil servant. Inspired by her mother's work, Zakrzewska developed an early interest in medicine.

Despite the societal constraints on women in medicine at the time, Zakrzewska pursued her passion and became a student at the Charité Hospital in Berlin, where she trained as a midwife. Her determination and skill earned her a position as the chief midwife at the hospital, a remarkable achievement for a woman in the mid-19th century.

Career in the United States

In 1853, Zakrzewska emigrated to the United States, seeking greater opportunities in the medical field. She settled in Cleveland, Ohio, where she met Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman to receive a medical degree in the United States. Blackwell encouraged Zakrzewska to pursue a medical degree, and in 1856, Zakrzewska graduated from the Western Reserve University's medical school.

New York Infirmary for Women and Children

Zakrzewska joined Elizabeth Blackwell and her sister, Emily Blackwell, in founding the New York Infirmary for Women and Children in 1857. This institution was one of the first hospitals in the United States to be run by women and for women, providing both medical care and professional training for female physicians.

New England Hospital for Women and Children

Maria Zakrzewska

In 1862, Zakrzewska moved to Boston, where she founded the New England Hospital for Women and Children. This hospital was groundbreaking in its mission to provide medical care to women and children, as well as to offer clinical experience to female medical students and interns. Under her leadership, the hospital became a model for similar institutions across the country.

Advocacy and legacy

Zakrzewska was a staunch advocate for women's rights, particularly in the field of medicine. She believed in the importance of providing women with the education and opportunities necessary to succeed in the medical profession. Her work helped pave the way for future generations of female physicians.

Throughout her career, Zakrzewska faced significant opposition and discrimination, but her perseverance and dedication to her cause were unwavering. She remained active in the medical community until her retirement, continuing to mentor young women entering the field.

Zakrzewska's contributions to medicine and women's rights were recognized during her lifetime, and her legacy continues to inspire. She passed away on May 12, 1902, in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts.

Related pages

• Elizabeth Blackwell
• Emily Blackwell
• New York Infirmary for Women and Children
• New England Hospital for Women and Children