Woman's Hospital of Philadelphia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Woman's Hospital of Philadelphia |
|
|---|---|
1911
|
|
| 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. It opened in 1861 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Its main goal was to give medical students from the Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania a place to learn. These students were mostly women, including a famous Quaker woman named Ann Preston.
Contents
History of the Hospital
Why the Hospital Was Started
The hospital had a clear purpose. It aimed to treat women and children for various illnesses. It also helped with childbirth. At the same time, it offered a place for women studying medicine to get hands-on experience. It also trained nurses. The main doctor in charge was always a woman.
A New Way to Learn Medicine
In the 1800s, most medical care happened at home. Doctors would visit patients there. But the Woman's Hospital was a "teaching hospital." This meant many patients were together in one place. Students could observe their illnesses over time. This was a new and important way to learn medicine.
Opening and Growth
The Woman's Hospital welcomed its first patient on December 16, 1861. This patient was in the maternity department. By April 1862, the hospital had twelve patients. The hospital grew steadily over the years. By 1875, it had 37 beds for patients.
The hospital also helped many people at home. Its students made nearly 2,000 home visits. More than 3,000 people visited its clinic. The hospital accepted women and children of all backgrounds. This included people of different religions, nationalities, and races.
New Buildings and Important Contributions
In 1867, the Female Medical College of Pennsylvania changed its name. It became the Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania. In 1874, the college started building its own new facility. This was possible thanks to a gift from Isaac Barton. The new building was right next to the Woman's Hospital.
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. It helped many mothers and babies.
Notable People Who Worked Here
- Mary A. G. Dight (1860-1923), a doctor
- Elizabeth C. Keller (1837-1912), a doctor
