February 2023
National Women Physicians Day - February 3rd
Elizabeth Blackwell (2/3/1821- 5/31/1910) was the first woman medical doctor in the U.S. She received her medical doctorate in 1849 from Geneva Medical College, currently known as the Norton College of Medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY. She was rejected by 25 colleges based solely on her gender before finally being accepted. She pioneered the education of women in medicine, opening her own medical college for women.
Anna Tomaszewicz-Dobrska (1854-1918) was the second Polish woman to become a doctor, and the first female Polish doctor to practice in Poland.(1) She obtained her medical degree in 1877 in Zurich.(2) She worked in Berlin and Vienna for a short time.(3) However, she was not allowed to pass the state exam, which would have given her the right to practice in Poland.
She moved to St. Petersburg and passed the state exam there, which allowed her to practice women's health and pediatric medicine within the Polish Kingdom and Russia. (3) In 1882 an epidemic of infection duing childbirth broke out in Warsaw, and a few maternity shelters were opened; shelter number 2 (on Prosta Street) was given to Anna to lead.
In 1896 she became the first to perform a Ceasarean section in Warsaw. (3)
She was also one of the founders of the Society of Polish Culture.
The Northeastern Dictionary of Women's Biography ISBN 978-1-55553-421-9
Women's Movements: Networks and Debates in Post-communist Countries in the 19th & 20th Centuries ISBN 978-3-412-32205-2
"Anna Tomaszewicz-Dobrska" Wikipedia.org
Scholarship Application
PACCF Scholarship application periods are now open for the 2023/24 academic year.
We are again offering the Richard C. Gorecki Scholarships and the Majer & Lakowski Families Memorial Scholarships.
Please view the Requirements, fillable Application and Deadlines below.
Help for Ukraine
The Republic of Poland has opened its hearts and arms to welcome its brothers and sisters to give them refuge. To date, there are now over 3,000,000 displaced citizens from Ukraine in Poland. With the atrocities of the Russian army bombing schools, apartment buildings, hospitals, and towns, numerous numbers of Ukrainian civilians are being hurt or killed in the conflict. During the conflict, it is always the most vulnerable - who suffer the most.
Many towns, humanitarian organizations, and the government in Poland are taking care of those who are in need, but Poland is on the edge of a humanitarian crisis.
The Polish American Congress Charitable Foundation has stepped forward and during a Special Board Meeting, the decision was made to support Polish humanitarian organizations Polski Czerwony Krzyz and Towarzystwo Przyjaciół Dzieci w Przemyślu.
The Lublin Regional Branch of the Polish Red Cross has provided camp beds, mattresses, and sleeping bags, which will allow many of the Ukrainian citizens in need at border crossings in the Lublin region. The Subcarpathian Regional Branch of the Polish Red Cross in Rzeszów is also preparing to provide needed assistance to those in need.
One of the goals of the Polish Red Cross is to always prevent suffering and their mitigation in all circumstances while maintaining impartiality, without any discrimination. To achieve this goal, the Polish Red Cross promotes knowledge of international humanitarian law and cooperates with public authorities to ensure that it is respected. The role of the Polish Red Cross is exceptional. It is the only humanitarian organization in Poland, which disseminates knowledge about international humanitarian law, which is one of the basic duties performed jointly by employees and volunteers.
The Society of Children's Friends in Przemysl, has been helping children and families with disabilities in Poland for over 100 years. Located on the border, they are currently fundraising to assist children and families fleeing from Ukraine to Poland to provide a safe space and shelter. Their goal is to provide support and help to children, youth, and families who are escaping into Przemyśl.
Displaced Ukrainian citizens, especially children and women, have been migrating to Polish cities from the first hours of the conflict. At the main railway station in Przemyśl, a reception point has been organized to help people coming from Ukraine. Many Polish families are providing strollers, food, clothing, and necessities to make their Ukrainian brothers and sisters feel safe and welcome.
The Polish American Congress Charitable Foundation is doing its part as well by donating $100,000.00 to assist our brothers and sisters in Poland to continue this great humanitarian mission they have chosen. If you would like to help, donations can be made directly to:
Visit our website and click the "Donate" tab here
