1874-1951
Newark native Dr Marie Lefort was the first woman appointed district physician for Newark from 1898-1902, significantly improving conditions in the city in her tenure. She said, “I believe there was no opposition to my appointment…although some members of the Board I understand, thought it was hardly work for a woman…However that may be they have assigned me to a very important district…I feel that this will help in the advancement of women, otherwise I would not like to talk about it…The patients seem to like me.”
Later she practiced in NYC and during and after WWI in France, where she sent information to the Newark News which was published as an article. She retired in 1939.
Dr. Lefort was born in Newark on Washington Street and graduated Barringer High School, then Newark High, in 1893 and the medical school of the New York Infirmary for Women and Children.
Bibliography
L-16 Lefort, Marie Louise, Newark News Morgue, Newark Library
“Past and Promise the Lives of NJ Women”
Health Dept Annual Reports
“Modern Hospital Arising on War Torn Site” Newark News Jan 16, 1924
“Dr. Mary-Louise Lefort Dies” Newark News Aug 7, 1951
“Dr. Marie L Lefort” Newark News Jun 17, 1898