Elizabeth Blackwell

I was determined to prove that a woman could be a physician, and a good one.

The medical education of women is a question of justice, not of expediency.

My object was not to make a fortune, but to open a path for others.

The public mind is slow to receive new ideas, especially when they involve a departure from established customs.

The true dignity of woman consists in her capacity for self-development and usefulness.

I found that the greatest obstacle to my success was not the lack of ability, but the prejudice of society.

The health of the community depends upon the health of its women.

I have always felt that the medical profession was a sacred calling.

I had to learn to stand alone, to rely on my own strength and judgment.

The medical profession should be open to all who possess the necessary qualifications, regardless of sex.

My life has been a constant protest against the narrow views of society.

I believe that the time will come when women will take their rightful place in every profession.

The true physician must be a student of human nature, as well as of disease.

It is not enough to be good; we must also do good.

The world is wide enough for women to work in, if they will only try.

I have never regretted my choice of profession, despite all the difficulties.

The greatest victory is not over others, but over oneself.

The medical education of women is a matter of public health and national prosperity.

I have always believed that women have a unique contribution to make to medicine.

The path of progress is never easy, but it is always worth pursuing.