Woman Surgeon and Medical Team Perform Operation circa 1920

1920. [Women History] [Medicine] Early woman surgeon and hospital staff perform an operation. 6 doctors and nurses operate on a patient; notably, five of the staff members are women. c. 1920. Original silver gelatin print. 6.5 x 8.5 in., mounted on 8 x 10" board. Two surgeons were masks and appear to be mid-operation on a patient's abdomen; various tools such as forceps, clamps, and medical scissors can be seen on the operating bed and supply cart. Other medical staff work to prepare equipment for the procedure, sterilize tools, and monitor the anesthetized patient. Of all medical specialties, the most embattled for women is surgery; early on they faced a challenge obtaining education, training and facilities, as this field of medicine was considered least suitable for women's delicate nature. These young woman, then, defied the odds of their time to become doctors and work in surgery. Light abrasions to surface top left quadrant, affecting leftmost figure's head, center top, and center left edge. Wear to corners of board. Good to very good condition.