Mary A. Brinkman

Mary A. Brinkman (1846–1932) was an American homeopathic physician who specialized in gynaecology. By her training, education, acquired knowledge and natural endowments, she seemed predestined to exert a wide influence upon our era for the physical welfare of women through her lectures, medical writings, and contributions to literature. She was the first woman elected to the vice-presidency of the New York State Homoopathic Medical Society. Her ancestors came to America in 1630, and trace their lineage to the time of Edward the Confessor. They took an active part in the French and Revolutionary wars, and in the war of 1812.

In her youth, she acquired a common-school education as was customary for New England girls of her day. On reaching adulthood, she visited Europe, where she devoted herself to study and travel. It was at that time her thoughts were first turned to the study of medicine. Believing that women physicians were demanded by the times, she determined to join the medical profession. Soon after returning to the U.S., in 1871, she entered as a student the New York Medical College and Hospital for Women. At her graduation, three years later, she was chosen the valedictorian of her class, and her medical thesis, which was a part of the final examination, was published in the North American Journal of Homeopathy and attracted considerable attention.

Selected works 1889, "Gynaecological Résumé", Homoeopathic Journal of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Paedology, Volume 11 1890, "A Talk Suggested by Every Day Practice", The North American Journal of Homeopathy, Volume 38 1913, "Imagination", Washington News Letter, Volume 19