Women in White Coats: How the First Women Doctors Changed the World of Medicine By Olivia Campbell

"Women in White Coats" offers a captivating narrative of three Victorian trailblazers—Elizabeth Blackwell, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, and Sophia Jex-Blake—who shattered barriers in the medical field. This New York Times bestseller draws parallels to "Hidden Figures" and "Radium Girls" in portraying the remarkable journey of these women as the first female doctors.

In the early 1800s, women faced dire consequences, often succumbing to treatable illnesses due to societal barriers preventing them from seeking medical care. Male doctors subjected them to demeaning and painful examinations, and illness brought social stigma, limiting marriage and career prospects. Fueled by personal losses and dissatisfaction with healthcare, Blackwell, Garrett Anderson, and Jex-Blake challenged the male-dominated medical sphere.

"Women in White Coats" unveils their fight for a woman's place in medicine, showcasing how they overcame numerous obstacles to earn medical degrees, revolutionizing healthcare for women. Beyond individual differences, they collaborated to establish women-run hospitals and teaching colleges, pioneering medical care by women for women.

Through gripping storytelling and meticulous research, the book details the courageous history of these pioneers, breaking gender and scientific barriers to reshape contemporary medical care. The narrative sheds light on their resilience, paving the way for future generations of women in medicine and leaving an indelible mark on healthcare history. 📖💖