Susan Dimock

Susan Dimock
Born	April 24, 1847 Washington, North Carolina, United States
Died	May 7, 1875 Isle of Wight, England
Nationality	American
Occupation	Physician
Known for	First woman member of the North Carolina Medical Society

Susan Dimock (April 24, 1847 – May 7, 1875) was an American physician and a pioneer in the field of medicine. She is best known for her work at the New England Hospital for Women and Children in Boston, Massachusetts, where she served as the resident physician.

Early Life

Susan Dimock was born in Washington, North Carolina, to Henry and Mary Malvina Dimock. Her father was a prominent lawyer, and her mother was a schoolteacher. Dimock showed an early interest in science and medicine, which was encouraged by her family.

Education

Dimock attended the University of Zurich in Switzerland, one of the few institutions at the time that accepted women in its medical program. She graduated with honors in 1871, becoming one of the first American women to earn a medical degree from a European university.

Career

After completing her education, Dimock returned to the United States and joined the New England Hospital for Women and Children in Boston. She became the resident physician and was instrumental in improving the hospital's facilities and services. Dimock was also the first woman to be admitted to the North Carolina Medical Society, breaking significant gender barriers in the field of medicine.

Contributions to Medicine

Dimock specialized in obstetrics and gynecology, and she was known for her innovative approaches to women's health. She published several papers on the subject and was a strong advocate for the inclusion of women in the medical profession.

Death and Legacy

Susan Dimock died tragically in a shipwreck off the coast of the Isle of Wight in 1875. Despite her short life, her contributions to medicine and her role as a pioneer for women in the field have left a lasting legacy. The Susan Dimock Infirmary at the New England Hospital for Women and Children was named in her honor.

See Also

• New England Hospital for Women and Children
• University of Zurich
• North Carolina Medical Society