Hippocratic Vows
Marrying a doctor became an aspirational goal for many young women in the twentieth century United States.
For those who succeeded in securing a physician husband, however, married life was often hard work. From fundraising to answering patients’ phone calls, the labor of the doctor’s wife was an essential part of American health care. Indeed, the wives of physicians had a significant impact on the growth, reception, and reform of modern medicine.
Following this long-neglected population from the mid-nineteenth century through the end of the twentieth, I argue that “Mrs. MD” was not merely the support behind a great man, but a powerful force in her own right.
Research is in progress and ongoing.
This work has been generously supported by: the Drexel University College of Medicine Legacy Center, the National Library of Medicine, the American Philosophical Society, Duke University, the Massachusetts Historical Society, and the Consortium for History of Science, Technology and Medicine.
Published Works from this Project
MD’s Wife: Subscriptions and Prescriptions About Medical Marriages Across the Twentieth Century
In a post for the National Library of Medicine’s Circulating Now blog, I explore the history of the AMA Woman’s Auxiliary’s long running and fascinating national publication.
Pinkie, Your Hospital Pal! Or, Why I Bought a Weird Old Hand Puppet on eBay
My Nursing Clio post on a curious puppet with a surprising history.
Link.
Are you “married to medicine”?
I’d love to hear from you! As part of my research for this book, I will interview spouses of doctors (of any gender). If you'd like to participate, please complete a form to indicate your interest in being interviewed. Alternatively, you can quickly share your experiences by typing them out.
By sharing any text, you give me permission to quote it in my work, which I'll do respectfully. Interviews can be done over the phone or Zoom, or in person if you're nearby.