Elizabeth Blackwell born on 3rd February 1821, was the first female doctor in the United States. She was the first openly identified woman to graduate from medical school, a pioneer in educating women in medicine in the United States, and was prominent in the emerging women’s rights movement.

Talking about Elizabeth’s educational life, she was rejected by all the leading schools to which she applied and almost all the other schools as well. When her application arrived at Geneva Medical College at Geneva, New York, the administration asked the students to decide whether to admit her or not. The students, reportedly believing it to be only a practical joke, approved her admission.

At first, she was even kept from classroom medical demonstrations, as unsuitable for a woman but very soon the students started getting impressed by her ability and persistence. Finally she graduated first in her class in 1849, becoming the first woman doctor of medicine in the modern era. She worked in clinics in London and Paris for two years, and studied midwifery at La Maternité where she contracted “purulent opthalmia” from a young patient. When Blackwell lost sight in one eye, she returned to New York City in 1851, giving up her dream of becoming a surgeon.

On a number of occasions, Dr. Walker would cross enemy lines to assist Georgians whose lives had been destroyed by the Civil War. Dr. Walker would treat these victims with supplies taken from Federal stores.

On April 10, 1864, dressed in full uniform, she accidentally walked into a group of Rebel soldiers just south of the Georgia-Tennessee border. Their commanding officer, General Daniel Harvey Hill, ordered her sent to Richmond as a prisoner. She was released in time to help during the battle for Atlanta as a surgeon. Walker was greatly pleased that she had been traded "man for man," for a Confederate Officer.

After the Civil War, Walker was recommended for the medal by Generals William T. Sherman and George Thomas, which she received in January, 1866. During the purge of 1917, the federal government tried to clean up many of the errors that had been made in issuing medals. Mary Walker's medal was revoked for "unusual circumstances" two years before she died. She refused to turn the Medal of Honor back to the Army as requested and according to friends wore it proudly every day until her death in 1919. Thanks to the tireless efforts of her granddaughter, President Jimmy Carter signed a bill in 1977 reinstating her medal.

During her lifetime Mary Walker fought against the evils of tobacco and alcohol. She was a published author, including a semi-autobiographical work. Perhaps the best description of this woman comes from the Post Office itself. In a section on women on stamps, they wrote,"Dr. Mary Walker was a humanitarian devoted to the care and treatment of the sick and wounded during the Civil War, often at the risk of her own life. A patriot dedicated and loyal to her country, she successfully fought against the sex discrimination of her time. Her personal achievements, as much as her vocal support, significantly contributed to the struggle for women's rights."

I would like to thank all the women in my life that have made me the man I am today!