Woman's Hospital of Philadelphia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Woman's Hospital of Philadelphia |
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| Geography | |
| Location | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Coordinates | 39°58′29″N 75°10′20″W / 39.974858°N 75.172095°W |
The Woman's Hospital of Philadelphia was a special hospital that opened in 1861. It was created to help students from the Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania get real-world experience. These students were mostly Quaker women, like Ann Preston, who wanted to become doctors.
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A Hospital for Women and Children
The main goal of the Woman's Hospital was to help women and children in Philadelphia. It treated various illnesses and helped with childbirth. The hospital also provided important training for women studying medicine. It was a place where future women doctors could learn by helping real patients.
In the 1800s, most medical care happened at home. But a "teaching hospital" like this one was different. It brought many patients together in one place. This allowed students to observe diseases and learn how to treat them over time. The hospital also trained nurses. The main doctor in charge was always a woman.
Growing to Help More People
The Woman's Hospital welcomed its first patient on December 16, 1861. This patient was in the maternity department. By April 1862, twelve patients were staying there. The hospital quickly grew.
By 1875, it had 37 beds for patients. Doctors and students also made nearly 2,000 home visits to patients. More than 3,000 people visited its clinic for quick appointments. The hospital accepted women and children no matter their religion, background, or race. They believed in giving "sympathizing care" to everyone.
New Buildings and Milestones
In 1867, the Female Medical College of Pennsylvania changed its name. It became the Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania. A few years later, in 1874, the college started building its own new facility. This was possible thanks to a gift from Isaac Barton.
The new college building was right next to the Woman's Hospital. The famous architect Addison Hutton designed it. Later, in 1888, Dr. Anna Broomall started something very important. She created the hospital's outpatient maternity clinic. This was the first clinic of its kind in the United States!
Notable People
- Mary A. G. Dight (1860-1923), physician
- Elizabeth C. Keller (1837-1912), physician
