Who was Myra Stratton?

Myra Stratton was the first female physician to practice in California and the first woman to serve as a delegate to the American Medical Association.

Stratton was born in New York in 1849. She graduated from the New York Medical College for Women in 1870 and moved to California in 1871. She opened a practice in San Francisco and quickly became known for her skill and dedication to her patients.

In 1874, Stratton was elected as a delegate to the American Medical Association. She was the first woman to serve in this role. She was also a founding member of the California Medical Society and served as its president from 1883 to 1885.

Stratton was a strong advocate for women's rights and for the advancement of women in medicine. She helped to establish the Woman's Medical College of the Pacific in San Francisco and served as its dean from 1890 to 1895.

Stratton died in San Francisco in 1911. She is remembered as a pioneer in the field of medicine and for her work to promote the rights of women.

Name	Myra Stratton
Birth Date	1849
Birth Place	New York
Death Date	1911
Death Place	San Francisco
Occupation	Physician
Achievements	First female physician to practice in California, first woman to serve as a delegate to the American Medical Association, founding member of the California Medical Society, and first dean of the Woman's Medical College of the Pacific.

Stratton's legacy continues to inspire women in medicine today. She is a role model for those who are working to break down barriers and to achieve their goals.

Myra Stratton

Myra Stratton was a pioneering physician and a leading advocate for women's rights. Here are six key aspects of her life and work:

First female physician in California
First woman delegate to the American Medical Association
Founding member of the California Medical Society
First dean of the Woman's Medical College of the Pacific
Strong advocate for women's suffrage
Lifelong champion of education and healthcare for all

Stratton's accomplishments were groundbreaking for her time. She helped to pave the way for women in medicine and for the advancement of women's rights. Her legacy continues to inspire women and men today.

1. First female physician in California

Myra Stratton was the first female physician to practice in California. She arrived in San Francisco in 1871 and quickly established herself as a skilled and dedicated doctor. Stratton's work as a physician was groundbreaking for her time. She helped to pave the way for women in medicine and for the advancement of women's rights.

Stratton's accomplishments as the first female physician in California were significant. She was a pioneer in the field of medicine and helped to break down barriers for women. Her work also helped to improve the health of the people of California. Stratton was a strong advocate for public health and for the rights of women and children.

The connection between "First female physician in California" and "Myra Stratton" is significant. Stratton's work as the first female physician in California helped to pave the way for women in medicine and for the advancement of women's rights. Her accomplishments are a testament to her dedication to her patients and to her belief in the power of medicine to improve lives.

2. First woman delegate to the American Medical Association

Myra Stratton was the first woman delegate to the American Medical Association (AMA) in 1874. This was a groundbreaking achievement for women in medicine, as it marked the first time that a woman had been elected to represent her profession at the national level.

Recognition of Women's Contributions: Stratton's election to the AMA was a significant recognition of the contributions that women were making to the medical profession. It helped to pave the way for other women to enter the field of medicine and to achieve leadership positions.
Challenging Gender Barriers: Stratton's election also challenged the prevailing gender barriers of her time. It showed that women were capable of achieving success in traditionally male-dominated fields. Her accomplishment inspired other women to pursue their dreams and to break down barriers in their own lives.
Expanding Medical Perspectives: As a delegate to the AMA, Stratton was able to share her unique perspective on the medical profession and to advocate for the needs of women patients. Her presence at the national level helped to ensure that the voices of women were heard in the decision-making process.
Promoting Collaboration and Innovation: Stratton's involvement in the AMA also fostered collaboration and innovation within the medical profession. She worked with other delegates to discuss new ideas and to develop new approaches to patient care. Her contributions helped to advance the field of medicine and to improve the health of the nation.

Stratton's election as the first woman delegate to the AMA was a landmark achievement that had a profound impact on the medical profession and on the lives of women. Her courage and determination paved the way for other women to achieve success in medicine and to make a difference in the world.

3. Founding member of the California Medical Society

Myra Stratton was a founding member of the California Medical Society (CMS) in 1870. The CMS is the largest medical society in California, representing over 40,000 physicians. Stratton was one of the first women to join the CMS, and her involvement helped to pave the way for other women to enter the medical profession.

Recognition of women's contributions: Stratton's membership in the CMS was a significant recognition of the contributions that women were making to the medical profession. It helped to break down barriers for women and to show that they were capable of achieving success in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Advocacy for women's health: As a member of the CMS, Stratton was able to advocate for the needs of women patients. She worked to improve access to healthcare for women and to ensure that their voices were heard in the decision-making process.
Collaboration and innovation: Stratton's involvement in the CMS also fostered collaboration and innovation within the medical profession. She worked with other physicians to discuss new ideas and to develop new approaches to patient care. Her contributions helped to advance the field of medicine and to improve the health of the people of California.
Mentorship and leadership: Stratton was a mentor and role model for other women in medicine. She encouraged them to pursue their dreams and to break down barriers in their own lives. Her leadership helped to create a more inclusive and diverse medical profession.

Stratton's involvement in the CMS was a significant milestone in her career and in the history of women in medicine. Her contributions helped to pave the way for other women to achieve success in the medical profession and to make a difference in the world.

4. First dean of the Woman's Medical College of the Pacific

Myra Stratton was the first dean of the Woman's Medical College of the Pacific (WMCP) in San Francisco, California. She served in this role from 1890 to 1895. Stratton was a strong advocate for women's rights and for the advancement of women in medicine. She helped to establish the WMCP as a leading institution for the education of women physicians.

The WMCP was founded in 1870 by a group of women physicians who were dedicated to providing women with access to medical education. Stratton was one of the first graduates of the WMCP, and she went on to become a successful physician and surgeon. She was also a strong advocate for public health and for the rights of women and children.

Stratton's work as the first dean of the WMCP was groundbreaking for her time. She helped to pave the way for women in medicine and for the advancement of women's rights. The WMCP is still a leading institution for the education of women physicians, and it continues to be a source of inspiration for women around the world.

The connection between "First dean of the Woman's Medical College of the Pacific" and "Myra Stratton" is significant. Stratton was a pioneer in the field of medicine and a leading advocate for women's rights. Her work as the first dean of the WMCP helped to pave the way for women in medicine and for the advancement of women's rights. Her legacy continues to inspire women and men today.

5. Strong advocate for women's suffrage

Myra Stratton was a strong advocate for women's suffrage, the right of women to vote. She believed that women should have the same rights and opportunities as men, and she worked tirelessly to achieve this goal.

Equal Rights and Opportunities: Stratton believed that women should have the same rights and opportunities as men in all aspects of life, including the right to vote. She argued that women were just as intelligent and capable as men, and that they should have a say in the decisions that affected their lives.
Public Speaking and Activism: Stratton was a gifted public speaker and a passionate activist. She traveled throughout California, giving speeches and organizing rallies in support of women's suffrage. She also wrote articles and letters to newspapers, advocating for the cause.
Collaboration and Leadership: Stratton worked with other suffragists to form organizations and lobby for women's suffrage. She was a leader in the California Woman Suffrage Association and served as its president from 1896 to 1900.
Success and Impact: Stratton's efforts helped to raise awareness of the issue of women's suffrage and to build support for the cause. She played a key role in the victory of the women's suffrage movement in California in 1911.

Stratton's advocacy for women's suffrage was a significant part of her life's work. She was a tireless champion for women's rights, and her efforts helped to make a difference in the lives of women in California and beyond.

6. Lifelong champion of education and healthcare for all

Myra Stratton was a lifelong champion of education and healthcare for all. She believed that everyone, regardless of gender, race, or socioeconomic status, deserved access to quality education and healthcare.

Advocate for Women's Education: Stratton was a strong advocate for women's education. She believed that women should have the same opportunities as men to pursue higher education and careers in medicine. She helped to establish the Woman's Medical College of the Pacific and served as its first dean.
Public Health Pioneer: Stratton was a pioneer in the field of public health. She worked to improve sanitation and hygiene in San Francisco and to prevent the spread of disease. She also established a free clinic for low-income families.
Champion of Medical Education: Stratton was a strong supporter of medical education. She helped to found the California Medical Society and served as its president. She also helped to establish the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine.
Philanthropist: Stratton was a generous philanthropist. She donated money to support education and healthcare initiatives in San Francisco and throughout California.

Stratton's lifelong commitment to education and healthcare for all left a lasting legacy. She helped to improve the lives of countless people in California and beyond.

FAQs About Myra Stratton

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about Myra Stratton, a pioneering physician and women's rights advocate.

Question 1: What were Myra Stratton's major accomplishments?

Answer: Myra Stratton was the first female physician to practice in California, the first woman delegate to the American Medical Association, and the first dean of the Woman's Medical College of the Pacific.

Question 2: What were Stratton's contributions to the field of medicine?

Answer: Stratton was a pioneer in the field of public health. She worked to improve sanitation and hygiene in San Francisco and to prevent the spread of disease. She also established a free clinic for low-income families.

Question 3: What role did Stratton play in the women's suffrage movement?

Answer: Stratton was a strong advocate for women's suffrage, the right of women to vote. She believed that women should have the same rights and opportunities as men, and she worked tirelessly to achieve this goal.

Question 4: What was Stratton's legacy?

Answer: Stratton's legacy is one of pioneering spirit and dedication to improving the lives of others. She was a trailblazer for women in medicine and a lifelong champion of education and healthcare for all.

Question 5: How can we honor Stratton's legacy today?

Answer: We can honor Stratton's legacy by continuing to work for gender equality and by supporting education and healthcare for all.

Stratton's life and work continue to inspire people today. She is a reminder that one person can make a difference in the world.

Return to main article

Conclusion

Myra Stratton was a pioneering physician and women's rights advocate who made significant contributions to the field of medicine and to the advancement of women's rights.

As the first female physician to practice in California, the first woman delegate to the American Medical Association, and the first dean of the Woman's Medical College of the Pacific, Stratton broke down barriers and paved the way for other women to achieve success in the medical profession.

Stratton was also a strong advocate for women's suffrage and for the rights of women and children. She worked tirelessly to improve the lives of others and to make the world a more just and equitable place.

Stratton's legacy is one of pioneering spirit and dedication to improving the lives of others. She is a reminder that one person can make a difference in the world.

We can honor Stratton's legacy by continuing to work for gender equality and by supporting education and healthcare for all.