Geek of the Week: Elizabeth Blackwell

Here we honor Muggle geeks who embody Ravenclaw spirit...
when they succeed, they soar, and when they fail, they fail spectacularly!

Elizabeth Blackwell (1821 - 1910)

"It is not easy to be a pioneer - but oh, it is fascinating! I would not trade one moment, even the worst moment, for all the riches in the world."

Those already familiar with Elizabeth Blackwell will not be surprised by her inclusion on this blog.  If you're just hearing her name for the first time, hear this: she was the first woman on the UK Medical Register AND the first woman to receive a medical degree in the United States.  Her determination in her study and career was met with consternation, as detailed in an exhibit shown at the (US) National Library of Medicine; her admittance into medical school was a prank by the student body! Really funny, guys.  You know who wasn't laughing?  The countless women whose suffering was eased considerably by Blackwell's care.

Find out more about Elizabeth Blackwell on Wikipedia.