1890-1971
Vera Schectman the first woman doctor at Beth Israel Hospital in Newark. She was on the staff at Beth Israel through 1970 and had a practice in Newark. She was also medical examiner for the Civil Service Commission for many years and gave lectures on sex education to women and girls.
Vera was a was Russian immigrant. She was a graduate of the Women’s Medical College of UPenn. Her married name was Abrams but she practiced as Schectman. She spoke 7 languages fluently, and worked until she was in her 70s.
In 1926, Vera said, she had “seen sex prejudice against woman doctors wear off to a great extent.” She said, “I am not sorry I took up medicine even though it necessitated many sacrifices…It has given me the opportunity to be a great friend to women and girls…they are usually not reticent in telling me all their troubles and thus I am able to help them considerably.”
Bibliography
Wingert, Dorothea. “Newark Doctor Left Russia As Girl To Fulfill Ambition” Newark Sunday Call Dec 12, 1926
“Dr. Vera Schectman, Physician in Newark” Star Ledger Mar 2, 1971
S-08, Schectman, Vera, Newark News Morgue, Newark Library including “
“Dr. Vera Schectman, Dies at 80” Jewish News Mar 5 1971
“Dr. Vera Schectman, of South Orange, 80” Newark News Mar 2, 1971
“Dr. Vera Schectman” Jewish News Jul 20, 1962
“Vera Schectman Passes State Test” Star Eagle 21 Nov 1912