Mary Sherwood

Mary Sherwood (March 31, 1856 – May 24, 1935) was a physician, educator, and spokesperson for preventive medicine, public health, women's health, childcare. She played a vital role in many women's organizations and clubs, as well as contributed to many medical social movements in Maryland and Baltimore. Early life Mary Sherwood was born on March 31, 1856, in Ballston Spa, New York, and was one of three children to Thomas Burr Sherwood, a lawyer and farmer, and Mary Frances (Beattie) Sherwood. Her sister, Margaret Pollock Sherwood became an English professor at Wellesley College and her brother, Sidney Sherwood, became a professor at Johns Hopkins University. She never married or had children, but formed close bonds with her long time friend, Lilian Welsh. She later died at 79 years of age of a coronary occlusion. Entrance to medicine She attended the State Normal School in Albany and in 1883, proceeded to Vassar College, where she earned her AB degree. Like her siblings, Sherwood originally pursued a career in education, teaching chemistry, however, she shifted her interest to medicine. She attended the University of Zurich, and in 1890, obtained her medical degree. A year later, she applied but was turned down, from the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City. Equipped with recommendation letters from a prominent medical practitioner and educator she studied under at Zurich, she applied to Johns Hopkins Hospital and was offered a spot in Dr. William H. Welch's laboratory, and in Dr. William Osler and Dr. Howard Kelly’s hospital wards. She was not able to hold her residency there, and a few years later, in 1892, she opened her own practice with her close friend Lilian Welsh. The medical practice did not flourish, but the pair decided to stay in Baltimore anyway and eventually took over the Evening Dispensary for Working Women and Children. During this time, they were in close vicinity to Johns Hopkins Hospital, and had many opportunities to interact, learn, and connect with other doctors, attend lectures, and join groups and organizations.