Elizabeth Blackwell was determined to go to medical school, but family and friends who were physicians advised her to give up–women in the 1800s were not allowed to become doctors.

Even though she was rejected from 29 colleges, Elizabeth Blackwell didn't give up.

She finally got into Geneva Medical College, but quite by accident. Students and professors sometimes made her life difficult and some physicians refused to work with her. Yet, she persevered.

Eventually, in 1849, Blackwell became the first woman to receive a medical degree in the United States. The local press reported her graduation favorably, and when the dean, Dr. Charles Lee, conferred her degree, he stood up and bowed to her.

She went on to build a medical practice, and create a place where women could have medical internships, New York Infirmary for Indigent Women and Children, (since many healthcare facilities didn't welcome female interns). And she later establish a medical college for women in London.

(READ more at BradAronson.com)