4. Renaissance and Early Modern Women Medical Practitioners

During the Renaissance and Early Modern periods, women began to play more visible roles in medicine, often as midwives, herbalists, and healers. While societal norms typically restricted women's formal participation in medicine, some gained recognition for their knowledge and skills. Figures like Elizabeth Blackwell and others challenged these boundaries, advocating for women’s education in medicine. Despite facing significant obstacles, their contributions laid the groundwork for future generations, highlighting the important, though often overlooked, roles women played in healthcare throughout history. This era marked the beginning of a gradual shift towards greater acceptance of women in medical professions.