Drexel University’s Legacy Rooted in First Women’s Medical College

Drexel University’s College of Medicine, College of Nursing and Health Professions and Dornsife School of Public Health trace their origins to a pioneering institution: the first degree-granting medical school for women in the United States, the Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania (WMCP). As Philadelphia celebrates its 250th anniversary with a “52 Weeks of Firsts” project, WMCP’s foundational role is being highlighted.

A History of Firsts

Founded in 1850 as the Female Medical College of Pennsylvania, WMCP emerged during a time when educational and professional opportunities for women were severely limited. It predated the first medical school to offer degrees to women, the New England Female Medical College, which began offering degrees after WMCP’s founding. The college was established by male Quaker businessmen committed to social justice, including Bartholomew Fussell, MD, and William J. Mullen, who served as its first president. Joseph S. Longshore, MD, a graduate of the first medical school in America, also played a key role as secretary and founding faculty member.

Pioneering Women in Medicine

WMCP’s first graduating class in 1851 included Anna Longshore-Potts, MD, and Hannah E. Myers Longshore, MD, marking the first all-women graduating class of MDs. These trailblazers faced significant barriers, including exclusion from clinical opportunities and medical societies. Despite these challenges, WMCP graduates consistently broke new ground:

• Rebecca Cole, MD (1867): The first Black woman to earn a medical degree in Philadelphia and the second in the country.
• Charlotte Yhlen, MD (1873): The first Swedish woman to graduate from medical school and practice medicine in Sweden.
• Jennie Kidd Trout, MD (1875): The first woman licensed to practice medicine in Canada.
• Anandibai Joshee, MD (1886): The first Indian woman to earn a Western medical degree and practice in India.
• Kei Okami, MD (1889): The first Japanese woman with a degree in Western medicine.
• Susan La Flesche Picotte, MD (1889): The first Native American to earn an MD.
• Sabat M. Islambouli, MD (1890): The first Syrian woman with a Western medical degree.
• Honoria Acosta-Sison, MD (1909): The first Filipina woman medical doctor.

Evolution and Integration into Drexel

WMCP continued to evolve, becoming the Medical College of Pennsylvania (MCP) in 1970 after admitting men. Through a series of mergers and acquisitions, including with Allegheny Health System and Hahnemann University, the institution ultimately became part of Drexel University in 2002, forming the current College of Medicine, College of Nursing and Health Professions, and Dornsife School of Public Health. This integration means Drexel has continuously provided opportunities for women to earn MDs longer than any other university globally.

Preserving the Legacy

The Legacy Center Archives & Special Collections at Drexel’s College of Medicine maintains the historical records of WMCP and its successor institutions. As part of the city’s semiquincentennial celebration, the Legacy Center is sharing these resources with various organizations and Drexel units. A new history gallery in the Health Sciences Building will showcase the history of Drexel’s health science programs, including WMCP’s legacy. A “Firstival” celebrating WMCP will be held on March 14, featuring a community health fair and storytelling about the college’s history.

Continuing Impact

WMCP’s impact extends beyond its graduates. The institution fostered a culture of innovation and advocacy, contributing to advancements in fields like nursing, obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics, and cancer care. Today, Drexel University continues to build upon this legacy, with the College of Medicine’s Class of 2029 being comprised of 59% women, reflecting the ongoing progress towards gender equity in medicine.