She was Florida’s first practicing female physician and a leader in the women’s suffrage movement. Yet few people know much about Dr. Mary Jane Safford.
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Dr. Mary Jane Safford was a pioneering physician who dedicated her life to providing healthcare services to underserved communities in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Born in 1842 in Vermont. She was inspired to pursue medicine after witnessing the dire need for healthcare in rural areas while working as a schoolteacher. But didn’t go into medicine until after volunteering in a military hospital during the Civil War. She began classes after the war at New York Medical College for Women and graduated in 1869. She then continued her studies at the General Hospital of Vienna and at the University of Breslau, Germany, before returning to the United States.
Working as a physician in a variety of settings, including private practices, hospitals, and clinics. She was most interested in serving rural communities and was often the only physician available to treat patients in those remote areas.
In 1879, Safford became the founding member and president of the Vermont State Medical Society, where her leadership and dedication to improving healthcare for rural residents helped her become a respected figure in the medical community.
In the early 1890s, Dr. Mary Jane Safford relocated to Florida and established a private practice in the town of Arcadia. Her move to the Sunshine State marked a new chapter in her career, as she continued her mission of providing healthcare services to underserved communities. Safford quickly became a respected figure in the area and was known for her compassionate and dedicated approach to patient care.
While in Florida, Safford continued her advocacy for women’s rights and was an active member of the local women’s suffrage movement. She also continued to advocate on the importance of improving healthcare access and quality in rural areas as Florida Continued to develop.
Safford’s dedication and tireless efforts helped to bring much-needed medical attention to these areas and improved the health and well-being of countless residents.
Dr. Mary Jane Safford reunited with her brother in Tarpon Springs, Florida. It is unclear exactly when she arrived in Tarpon Springs or the extent of her work there, but it is known that she continued to provide medical services to underserved communities during her time in the area while her brother Anson Safford is listed as a founder of the town. You can still visit their home if you’re ever in the area.
Dr. Safford was a trailblazer for women in medicine, paving the way for future generations of female physicians. Her dedication to serving underserved communities continues to inspire healthcare providers today, as they strive to ensure that everyone has access to quality healthcare.
Dr. Mary Jane Safford died of fever in 1891. She was 56. Her legacy, however, lives on as a reminder of the important role that doctors play in improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities.
Read more about Mary Jane’s home in Tarpon Springs, Florida.