A medical trailblazer in the Ottoman Empire: The legacy of Dr Caroline Frances Hamilton (1861–1944)

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This article explores the life and work of Dr Caroline F. Hamilton, one of the pioneering female physicians sent from the USA to the Ottoman Empire in the late 19th century. Over a career spanning three decades, Hamilton provided critical medical care, especially to women, at the Azariah Smith Memorial Hospital in Aintab, overcoming legal, cultural, and political obstacles to become one of the first women licensed to practise medicine in the region. Her contributions, particularly in treating Muslim women who had limited access to male doctors, were significant in advancing healthcare in a conservative society. Hamilton's role extended beyond direct patient care, she also trained local health workers, contributing to long-term improvements in healthcare. Her efforts during times of war, epidemics, and humanitarian crises exemplified her resilience and dedication. This article highlights Hamilton's broader legacy, examining how her work reflects the intersection of gender, medicine, and missionary activity in a complex geopolitical context while also contributing to the introduction of Western medical practices in the Ottoman Empire.