Upstate Medical University Unveils Statues of Trailblazing Female Doctors
Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York, unveiled two bronze statues on October 19, 2023, honoring pioneering female doctors, Sarah Loguen Fraser and Elizabeth Blackwell. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches, these life-sized sculptures are strategically placed at the entrance of Weiskotten Hall, symbolizing the institution’s legacy as the first co-educational medical school in the United States.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by university officials, including President Mantosh Dewan, who emphasized the significance of these statues in celebrating the contributions of women in medicine. Blackwell, who graduated first in her class from Geneva Medical College in 1849, became the first woman to earn a medical degree in America. This institution would later evolve into what is now known as SUNY Upstate. In 1876, Loguen Fraser followed as the fourth Black woman in the United States to receive a medical degree, becoming the first female doctor in the Dominican Republic.
“It is important to remember that we have welcomed all deserving people for 150 years and are committed to doing so for another 150 years,” Dewan stated during the ceremony.
The statues were funded through donations to The Upstate Foundation and The Upstate Medical Alumni Foundation, with renowned sculptor Carolyn Palmer receiving $375,000 for her work. Palmer is recognized for her bronze sculptures of notable figures such as U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, as well as marble busts of four popes located at a cathedral in Manhattan. She shared her intention for the statues to embody the personal accomplishments of both doctors, with their heights exceeding their actual stature to reflect their larger-than-life spirits.
Symbolic Features of the Statues
The statue of Elizabeth Blackwell occupies a prominent position in the courtyard of Upstate Medical University. Her head is positioned to face the university, symbolizing her visionary perspective, while her outstretched hand represents the institution itself. Despite facing discrimination during her education, Blackwell later established a clinic in New York City dedicated to treating impoverished women, as highlighted by the National Women’s History Museum.
In contrast, Loguen Fraser’s statue captures her compassionate nature. The pediatrician’s head is tilted, and her right arm is extended in a welcoming gesture toward those entering the courtyard. During the unveiling, third-year medical student Schyler Turner revealed Loguen Fraser’s statue. She was awarded a scholarship of $10,350 in honor of Loguen Fraser, which she hopes will help her achieve her aspiration of becoming a pediatric surgeon.
“Just to see her every day and to be able to walk past greatness is truly inspiring,” Turner remarked, underscoring the impact these statues are expected to have on current and future medical students.
The installation of these statues not only commemorates the groundbreaking achievements of Blackwell and Loguen Fraser but also serves as an enduring reminder of the ongoing commitment to inclusivity and diversity in the medical field.
