Mary DeWitt Pettit

American physician and medical educator

Mary DeWitt Pettit, 1928

Mary DeWitt Pettit (1895–1977) was a pioneering American physician and medical educator known for her contributions to obstetrics and gynecology. She was one of the first women to graduate from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and dedicated her career to advancing women's health and medical education.

Early life and education

Mary DeWitt Pettit was born in 1895 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She grew up in a family that valued education and was encouraged to pursue her academic interests. Pettit attended the prestigious Bryn Mawr College, where she excelled in her studies and developed a keen interest in the sciences. After completing her undergraduate degree, she was accepted into the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, one of the few medical schools at the time that admitted women.

Medical career

After graduating from Johns Hopkins in 1921, Pettit began her medical career at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, where she completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology. Her work focused on improving maternal and infant health, and she became known for her research on prenatal care and childbirth practices.

Pettit was a strong advocate for women's health and worked tirelessly to improve medical education for women. She believed that women physicians could provide unique insights into women's health issues and was instrumental in mentoring young female medical students and residents.

Contributions to medical education

Throughout her career, Pettit was dedicated to medical education. She served as a faculty member at Johns Hopkins, where she taught courses in obstetrics and gynecology. Her teaching style was noted for its rigor and compassion, and she was highly respected by her students and colleagues.

Pettit also contributed to the development of medical curricula that emphasized the importance of understanding the social and psychological aspects of patient care. She believed that a holistic approach to medicine was essential for effective treatment and patient satisfaction.

Legacy

Mary DeWitt Pettit's legacy is marked by her commitment to advancing women's health and her role in shaping medical education. Her work paved the way for future generations of women in medicine, and she is remembered as a trailblazer who broke barriers in a male-dominated field.

Related pages

• Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
• Obstetrics
• Gynecology
• Women's health