New England Female Medical College

New_England_Female_Medical_College

New England Female Medical College

The New England Female Medical College (NEFMC) was the first institution in the United States established to train women in the field of medicine. It was founded in 1848 in Boston, Massachusetts by Samuel Gregory, a prominent advocate for women's medical education.

History

The NEFMC was established at a time when women were largely excluded from the medical profession. Samuel Gregory believed that women were particularly suited to the practice of medicine, especially in the areas of obstetrics and gynecology. The college aimed to provide women with the necessary education and training to become competent physicians.

The first class consisted of just twelve students, but the college quickly grew in size and reputation. In 1850, the NEFMC awarded its first medical degree to Harriot Kezia Hunt, although she had been practicing medicine without a formal degree for several years prior.

Curriculum

The curriculum at the NEFMC was rigorous and comprehensive, covering subjects such as anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and clinical practice. The college also placed a strong emphasis on practical experience, with students participating in clinical rotations at local hospitals and clinics.

Merger and Legacy

In 1874, the NEFMC merged with Boston University School of Medicine, becoming the first coeducational medical school in the United States. This merger allowed for greater resources and opportunities for female medical students, and it marked a significant step forward in the movement for gender equality in medical education.

The legacy of the NEFMC is evident in the increasing number of women entering the medical profession and the continued efforts to promote gender equality in medical education and practice.

Notable Alumni

• Mary Harris Thompson - Founder of the Mary Thompson Hospital in Chicago, one of the first hospitals in the United States to be staffed entirely by women.
• Rebecca Lee Crumpler - The first African American woman to earn a medical degree in the United States.

Related Pages

• Boston University School of Medicine
• Women in medicine
• History of medical education in the United States
• Samuel Gregory
• Harriot Kezia Hunt
• Rebecca Lee Crumpler

See Also

• List of medical schools in the United States
• History of women in medicine