Drexel University Celebrates a Historic First: The Nation’s First Medical College for Women
Drexel University is recognizing the legacy of the Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania (WMCP) as part of Philadelphia’s “52 Weeks of Firsts” project, a city-wide initiative highlighting innovations originating in Philadelphia during the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration. Founded in 1850, WMCP was the first degree-granting medical school for women in the United States – and the world.
A Legacy of Breaking Barriers
The WMCP’s history is deeply intertwined with Drexel’s own. Approximately 152 years after its founding, and following several mergers and name changes, WMCP became a foundational element of Drexel’s College of Medicine, College of Nursing and Health Professions, and the Dornsife School of Public Health in 2002. This makes Drexel the university with the longest continuous history of providing opportunities for women to earn MDs globally.
The college’s impact extends beyond its institutional evolution. WMCP provided crucial educational and professional opportunities for women in medicine at a time when such avenues were scarce. Generations of medical professionals received training at WMCP, many of whom went on to serve underserved communities.
The Changing Landscape of Women in Medicine
The story of WMCP reflects a broader shift in the medical field. In 2019, for the first time, more women than men enrolled in medical school in the U.S. (50.5%), a trend that continued to 54.6% by 2023-2024. At Drexel’s College of Medicine, the Class of 2029 is comprised of 59% women.
Preserving History at the Legacy Center
The Legacy Center Archives & Special Collections at Drexel University serves as the repository for the records and heritage of Drexel’s health science programs and legacy schools, including WMCP. The center is actively highlighting WMCP’s history through research materials, historical photos, and storytelling initiatives.
“We were remarkably excited to be considered given the impact on the evolution of women physicians, and being recognized underscores the importance of maintaining this history for Drexel, the city and the world,” said Legacy Center Director Margaret Graham. “This history is often overlooked, and This represents an opportunity to continue building awareness.”
Celebrating the Pioneers
WMCP will be celebrated during Women’s History Month with a “Firstival” on March 14th. The event will include a free community health fair and opportunities to learn about WMCP’s history, including a presentation about one of its first graduates by Historic Philadelphia’s Once Upon a Nation storytelling initiative. A new history gallery showcasing the history of Drexel’s health sciences programs will also be unveiled in the Health Sciences Building.
Early Trailblazers
WMCP’s first graduating class in 1851 included Hannah E. Myers Longshore and Anna Longshore-Potts, who became pioneers in their own right. Longshore-Potts practiced in Michigan and became an advocate for women in medicine, although Myers Longshore became the first female faculty member at a U.S. Medical college and the first woman doctor to establish a private practice in Philadelphia.
Other notable alumnae include Ann Preston, the first woman dean of a medical college, and Rebecca Cole, the first Black woman to earn a medical degree in Philadelphia. WMCP also educated the first women from India, Japan, Syria, and Canada to earn Western medical degrees.
From WMCP to Drexel: A Continuing Legacy
WMCP evolved over time, becoming the Medical College of Pennsylvania (MCP) in 1970 after admitting men, and eventually merging with Hahnemann University before becoming part of Drexel University in 2002. Despite these changes, the institution’s commitment to medical education and its pioneering spirit remain central to Drexel’s mission.
FAQ
- What was the significance of the Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania? It was the first medical school in the world to grant medical degrees to women.
- How is Drexel University connected to WMCP? WMCP became a foundational part of Drexel’s College of Medicine, College of Nursing and Health Professions, and Dornsife School of Public Health in 2002.
- Where can I learn more about WMCP’s history? Visit the Legacy Center Archives & Special Collections at Drexel University.
- What is the “52 Weeks of Firsts” project? It’s a city-wide initiative celebrating Philadelphia’s innovations during the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Pro Tip: Explore the Legacy Center’s online resources to delve deeper into the stories of the remarkable women who shaped medical history.
Learn more about Drexel’s College of Medicine here.
