Elizabeth D. A. Cohen

Elizabeth D. A. Magnus Cohen (February 22, 1820 – May 28, 1921) was the first woman licensed to practice medicine in the U.S. state of Louisiana.

Early life and education Cohen was born on February 22, 1820, at 205 Hudson Street, New York City, to Phoebe (née Magnus) and David Cohen of England.

After the death of her first son to measles, Cohen devoted her life to medicine, citing that more should have been done to save her son. She therefore decided to "become a doctor [herself] and help mothers to keep their little ones well." She challenged the contemporary Jewish stereotype that sons should be the ones who chased professional attainments such as becoming doctors.

Medical school In 1853, Cohen enrolled in the Female Medical College of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. She applied and was accepted into medical school in Philadelphia in 1854 at the Female Medical College of Pennsylvania, which in 1867 was renamed Women's Medical College of Pennsylvania.

Religion Cohen made no obvious display of Judaism during her life, but her dedication to her faith was made clear in a written statement she made in 1902 to her brother: "I am not sure what I will have in the hereafter, so I am trying to enjoy what is given to me here ... I am ... trying my very best to be good according to my ideas of goodness – that is to live in the fear of God and keeping his ten commandments". Her choice in infirmary following her retirement in 1887 solidified her dedication to Judaism. During the majority of her service, she treated mostly women and children in a private medical practice. She recalled and described it as "attend[ing] to families through generations". She was also quoted as saying "They needed me, when I came here" in a Times-Picayune interview. Despite these achievements, she still faced heavy discrimination and was consequently listed in the city directory as a midwife in 1867. She was then included as a doctoress, in 1869. It was not until the year 1876 when she finally received the title of M.D, as Mrs. Elizabeth Cohen, physician. During her New Orleans Times-Picayune interview, she recalled having to ask the registrar to add "M.D. after [her] name" while being admitted as a resident of the Touro Infirmary's "Department of the Aged and Infirm" in 1888. During her time there, she volunteered in the sewing and linen room.

Death and legacy Cohen died in New Orleans, Louisiana, on May 28, 1921, at the age of 101.

One of Cohen's former medical offices is located at 1032 Saint Charles Ave, New Orleans on Lee Circle, built in 1883 and was home to the Circle Bar, which is now permanently closed.