The Blackwell sisters, Elizabeth and Emily, forced open the doors of American medicine for women in the 1800s, transforming the profession despite facing systematic rejection from medical establishments.

• Elizabeth Blackwell, born 1821 to abolitionist parents, became the first female doctor in America despite initially finding medicine "disgusting"
• Rejected by 29 medical schools before Geneva Medical College accepted her—only because male students thought it was a joke
• Graduated top of her class in 1849, later losing an eye to infection while training in Paris
• Emily Blackwell followed her sister into medicine, becoming the third female physician in America despite facing even greater resistance
• Together they founded the New York Infirmary for Women and Children in 1857 and later a women's medical college
• Elizabeth held surprisingly conservative views—opposing women's voting rights and contraception
• Neither sister married, but both adopted daughters
• By their deaths in 1910, women made up 6% of physicians; today they represent over half of medical students

Sources:

https://magazine.columbia.edu/article/review-doctors-blackwell

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/way-americans-remember-blackwell-sisters-shortchanges-their-incredible-legacy-180976672/

http://bedside-rounds.org/episode-62-the-sisters-blackwell/

https://cfmedicine.nlm.nih.gov/physicians/biography_36.html

https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/elizabeth-blackwell

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LbBGRCMXGA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7MRGYRx3DQ

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Music by Tim Crowe

Have you ever heard of the Dionne quintuplets? In this riveting comeback episode, Jessica uncovers the shocking story of the world's first surviving quintuplets, born in rural Canada in 1934. What began as a medical miracle quickly transformed into one of history's most disturbing examples of child exploitation.

These five identical girls—Yvonne, Annette, Cecile, Emily, and Marie—were removed from their parents and placed under government guardianship, where they became Canada's biggest tourist attraction. Behind one-way screens in a compound dubbed "Quintland," they were displayed to 3,000 visitors daily like animals in a zoo. Their images sold everything from corn syrup to toothpaste, generating millions while they lived behind barbed wire fences.

Jessica traces their journey from public exhibition to family reunification at age nine, where sadly, they faced new traumas in "the saddest home they ever knew." Yet through it all, the sisters maintained an unbreakable bond. Today, the two surviving sisters still live together at age 91, embodying the episode's opening quote: "Sisters function as safety nets in a chaotic world simply by being there for each other."

This extraordinary tale raises profound questions about child welfare, governmental authority, and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. What happens when children become commodities? How do siblings survive unimaginable circumstances together? And what responsibility do we have to protect those who cannot protect themselves? Join us as we explore these questions through the remarkable story of five little girls who captured the world's attention but paid a devastating price.

**Ingrid completely misspoke (surprised?). Cecile passed away at the age of 91, not 92.**

What childhood stories of exploitation have you heard that still haunt you today? Share your thoughts and be sure to subscribe as we return with new sister stories every other week!

Sources:

https://www.life.com/history/the-dionne-quintuplets-little-girls-lost-in-the-harsh-glare-of-fame/

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dionne_quintuplets

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/31/world/canada/cecile-dionne-dead.html

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Contact Another Situation:

• Email us at AnotherSituationPodcast@gmail.com
• Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @AnotherSituationPodcast
• Check out our website https://www.AnotherSituationPodcast.com/

Thank you for listening and sharing!!


Music by Tim Crowe

Get ready for the triumphant return of your favorite sister duo! Ingrid and Jessica are bringing back "Another Situation" on August 5th, and they're packing more heart, humor, and unfiltered conversation than ever before.

What makes this podcast a must-listen? It's the irresistible combination of personal tales that resonate with everyday life, wild headlines that leave you speechless, and jaw-dropping historical deep dives that you won't hear anywhere else. From moments that will have you doubled over laughing to stories that might bring a tear to your eye, Ingrid and Jessica create a unique listening experience where nothing is off limits.

The magic of "Another Situation" lies in the authentic sisterly chemistry between our hosts. Their natural banter creates an atmosphere that feels less like a podcast and more like joining a conversation with your closest friends. You'll hear occasional disagreements, plenty of laughter, and those special moments of connection that only sisters share. Even their announcement includes charming bloopers that showcase their commitment to keeping things real rather than polished to perfection.

Mark your calendars for August 5th and prepare to join the chaos! Whether you're a longtime listener or discovering them for the first time, Ingrid and Jessica can't wait to welcome you back for another season of unforgettable storytelling. Subscribe now so you don't miss their return – the stories are back, the chaos is back, and most importantly, they're back!

Support the show

Contact Another Situation:

• Email us at AnotherSituationPodcast@gmail.com
• Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @AnotherSituationPodcast
• Check out our website https://www.AnotherSituationPodcast.com/

Thank you for listening and sharing!!


Music by Tim Crowe