Mergler, Marie Josepha (1851–1901)
Mergler, Marie Josepha (1851–1901)
American physician and surgeon. Born Marie Josepha Mergler, May 18, 1851, in Mainstockheim, Bavaria; died of pernicious anemia, May 17, 1901, in Los Angeles, CA; dau. of Francis R. Mergler (physician) and Henriette (von Ritterhausen) Mergler.
Immigrated to US with family (1853); grew up in Palatine, Illinois; graduated as class valedictorian from Woman's Medical College in Chicago, IL (1879); served as professor of medica materia and adjunct professor of gynecology at Woman's Medical College of Chicago; was 2nd woman on staff of Cook County Hospital (1882); became head physician and surgeon of Mary Thompson Hospital (1895); served as secretary of faculty and dean of faculty at Woman's Medical College (renamed Northwestern University Woman's Medical College); was professor of gynecology at Post-Graduate Medical School of Chicago (1895–1901); specializing in obstetrics, gynecology, and abdominal surgery, was 1 of the most respected women in American medicine at end of 19th century.