Who was the first woman to receive a medical degree in the United States?

Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell was the first woman to receive a medical degree in the United States, graduating from Geneva Medical College in New York in 1849. Her achievement was significant not only because she broke gender barriers in a male-dominated profession, but also because it paved the way for future generations of women in medicine. Blackwell faced considerable opposition and prejudice during her studies. Nonetheless, she persevered, and her success inspired numerous women to pursue careers in medicine. This milestone in her life is celebrated as an important turning point in medical education and women's rights.

The other individuals mentioned played important roles in various fields, such as surgery, anesthesiology, and women's health, but they did not achieve the historic distinction of being the first woman to earn a medical degree in the U.S.