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ELIZABETH BLACKWELL 1821-1910 The obituary of Elizabeth Blackwell read, “She was in the fullest sense of the word a pioneer who, like all pioneers (when discouraged) heard but did not listen” (Kline 179). Born on February 3, 1821 near Bristol, England, this one particular woman ignored all discouragements and criticism to reach her one goal that would benefit many women today. Just about one hundred fifty years ago, to see a woman physician was a new and absurd sight to society. This brave woman developed a role for women to play in the world of medicine in America. Motivated by her personal and religious beliefs and the constant rejection from prestigious schools, Elizabeth Blackwell reached her goals of giving women roles in medicine and establishing medical facilities and organizations to help others. As a result, other women have been inspired by Blackwell’s example, and the place of women in medicine has been greatly popularized, but oftentimes unappreciated by the increasing numbers of female medical students in the United States. Blackwell’s inspiration began when she searched for and found historical women who participated in the practiced medicine (Kent 8). She researched the ancient women of