I find these women Elizabeth and Emily Blackwell worthy role models for two reasons: 1) obviously for overcoming stereotypes. but more importantly, 2) for their entrepreneurial nature in starting their own practice and medical school for women, making sure the hard work and suffering they had to endure would be significantly diminished for future generations of aspiring women medical doctors. I have the greatest admiration for such people who use their knowledge, skills and professional experiences to help others strategically.
They are worthy role models just for being doctors in that time (the mid to late 1800s), but to take it several steps ahead by imparting education and training for other women is truly genius!
Here is link for a bio on Elizabeth Blackwell.. It is from womenshistory.org , a very interesting website that all women should take a peek at at least once.