Inspirational / Informative / Challenging / Contemplative / Mysterious

The Doctors Blackwell by Janice P. Nimura is praised for its meticulous research and engaging narrative, highlighting Elizabeth and Emily Blackwell's influence in medicine. It effectively contextualizes their achievements within the societal norms of their time. However, some reviewers note a desire for deeper personal details and analysis of the sisters' complex relationship.

A reader interested in The Doctors Blackwell would appreciate historical biographies and feminist literature, akin to Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly. They enjoy stories of trailblazing women overcoming societal barriers, particularly in medicine and science.

The Doctors Blackwell: How Two Pioneering Sisters Brought Medicine to Women and Women to Medicine by Janice P. Nimura explores the lives and achievements of Elizabeth and Emily Blackwell. These trailblazing sisters overcame societal barriers to become the first women to receive medical degrees in America, transforming the medical profession and advocating for women's roles in medicine.

- Elizabeth Blackwell, the focus of The Doctors Blackwell, was the first woman in the United States to earn a medical degree, breaking significant barriers in the male-dominated field of medicine in the 19th century.
- Janice P. Nimura explores the dynamic relationship between Elizabeth and her sister Emily Blackwell, who was also a pioneering female physician and played a crucial role in establishing the New York Infirmary for Indigent Women and Children.
- The book provides a detailed cultural and historical context, helping readers understand the societal challenges and expectations that both Elizabeth and Emily Blackwell faced as they pursued their medical ambitions.

**Janice P. Nimura**  
An American author known for works such as "Daughters of the Samurai" and "The Doctors Blackwell," she has received accolades such as the National Endowment for the Humanities’ Public Scholar Award.

**Elizabeth Blackwell**  
The first woman to earn a medical degree in America, she co-founded the New York Infirmary for Indigent Women and Children and faced significant societal challenges as a female doctor in the 19th century.

**Emily Blackwell**  
Sister of Elizabeth Blackwell and an accomplished physician herself, who played a critical role in managing the New York Infirmary and advancing medical education for women.

**Marie Zakrzewska**  
A pioneering female physician from Germany who collaborated with the Blackwell sisters, contributing significantly to the New York Infirmary and later establishing the New England Hospital for Women and Children.

**Florence Nightingale**  
A renowned nursing pioneer known for her contributions during the Crimean War, serving as a historical foil to Elizabeth Blackwell in terms of their differing views on women's roles in medicine.

Janice P. Nimura

Adult

Biography

Nonfiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Doctors Blackwell reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Doctors Blackwell | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Doctors Blackwell and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Doctors Blackwell Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Doctors Blackwell Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Chapter 4

The Doctors Blackwell Prologue-Chapter 4 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 5-9

The Doctors Blackwell Chapters 5-9 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 10-14

The Doctors Blackwell Chapters 10-14 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 15-Coda

The Doctors Blackwell Chapter 15-Coda Summary & Analysis

keyFigure

Key Figures

The Doctors Blackwell Key Figures

theme

Themes

The Doctors Blackwell Themes

Index of Terms

The Doctors Blackwell Index of Terms

quote

citation

character

Important Quotes

The Doctors Blackwell Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Doctors Blackwell Essay Topics

The Doctors Blackwell: How Two Pioneering Sisters Brought Medicine to Women and Women to Medicine

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Doctors Blackwell?

Reading Age

Book Details