Maria Elizabeth Zakrzewska was born in Berlin, Germany on the 6th of September 1829. Her attempts to study medicine and to become a practicing physician were temporarily thwarted often because of gender discrimination practices, however Marie relented and with hard work, determination and some aid from Dr Elizabeth Blackwell, Marie was able to earn her medical degree at Cleveland Medical College. She went on to found New England Hospital for Women and Children, (later renamed the The Dimock Center)
