Female physicians in the U.S. in 1792?

Question

I'm trying to find out more information about Rachel Armstrong Wheelock, wife of Alpheus Wheelock.  One Oneida, NY county history had this interesting piece of information on her:

"In 1792, Colonel Alpheus Wheelock and Rachel, his wife, a famous female physician, settled at Elmer Hill,"

From just a little bit of browsing, I can't find any famous female physician at that time and am skeptical about the possibility.  It seems like there would be a record of her education or some kind of trail if this were true.

She was from Rhode Island.

Any thoughts on the possibility of a female physician in 1792, or what might be the best sources to uncover more information.

Thanks.

Answer 1

You may want to read the Wikipedia article on the History of Medicine which includes a section on women in medicine.  Though it cites Elizabeth Blackwell as the first female doctor in America in 1849, it also states that women played a major role in terms of healthcare in the colonial era, especially regarding midwives and childbirth. Since doctors of that era were not formally trained and usually learned through apprenticeship you may not find a record of formal education.  It is likely she was a doctor by the standards of the day.

You may also want to read The Healer's Calling: Women and Medicine in Early New England by Rebecca Jo Tannenbaum.  There is an online preview available.

Thanks for bringing up this interesting question!

Answer 2

very neat, she could also have alt about healing herbs and other alt stuff like that.