Elizabeth Garrett Anderson (1836–1917)
First Englishwoman doctor
Elizabeth was born in London and sought to contradict the life she was expected to lead as a nurse. Inspired by the first female doctor in the US, Elizabeth Blackwell, Anderson’s determination to become a doctor would lead her to learn French and study at the University of Paris, where she obtained her medical degree.1
Elizabeth went on to establish the New Hospital for Women, which became the London School of Medicine for Women, helping pave the way for other women with the same aspirations. In 1876 an act was passed, permitting women to enter into the medical professions.1
