Ali Christy, MD, PhD
@oligoclonalband.medsky.social
Pediatric Neurologist/Neuroimmunologist • Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Child Neurology • Chair of AAN History Section • neuron embroiderer • she/her
www.neurdgames.com www.Neurdle.com
www.neurdgames.com www.Neurdle.com
To recap:
Jeanne Solis: a woman who smashed the glass ceiling as the 1st woman neurologist on faculty, and changed the world as a passionate supporter of women in research of all kinds.
Read the paper here: rdcu.be/eTBSa
and huge props and congrats to Kiarra Akiyoshi! 21/21
Jeanne Solis: a woman who smashed the glass ceiling as the 1st woman neurologist on faculty, and changed the world as a passionate supporter of women in research of all kinds.
Read the paper here: rdcu.be/eTBSa
and huge props and congrats to Kiarra Akiyoshi! 21/21
December 8, 2025 at 8:06 PM
To recap:
Jeanne Solis: a woman who smashed the glass ceiling as the 1st woman neurologist on faculty, and changed the world as a passionate supporter of women in research of all kinds.
Read the paper here: rdcu.be/eTBSa
and huge props and congrats to Kiarra Akiyoshi! 21/21
Jeanne Solis: a woman who smashed the glass ceiling as the 1st woman neurologist on faculty, and changed the world as a passionate supporter of women in research of all kinds.
Read the paper here: rdcu.be/eTBSa
and huge props and congrats to Kiarra Akiyoshi! 21/21
She doesn't seem wildly enthusiastic.
But her actions speak louder than words.
It's no surprise that when @umich.edu asked alumnae in 1924 who the most outstanding women were to EVER attend the university - 2 answered:
Jeanne Solis.
20/21
But her actions speak louder than words.
It's no surprise that when @umich.edu asked alumnae in 1924 who the most outstanding women were to EVER attend the university - 2 answered:
Jeanne Solis.
20/21
![3 outstanding women: Alice Freeman Palmer, Dr. Eliza Mosher, Dr. Jean[sic] Solis](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:x7am5sw5a3vcewsmfjt43kez/bafkreielt4n26cdfwmgcw4nivkvivmvjiijmdaf5gwge6n53h6jxzuvtt4@jpeg)
December 8, 2025 at 8:06 PM
She doesn't seem wildly enthusiastic.
But her actions speak louder than words.
It's no surprise that when @umich.edu asked alumnae in 1924 who the most outstanding women were to EVER attend the university - 2 answered:
Jeanne Solis.
20/21
But her actions speak louder than words.
It's no surprise that when @umich.edu asked alumnae in 1924 who the most outstanding women were to EVER attend the university - 2 answered:
Jeanne Solis.
20/21
In 1899, the @umich.edu Daily had a women's edition, where they asked men (of course) "is co-education a failure?" and "what about women in the professional departments?" They also asked Solis about women in medicine.
She says: women will accomplish some things, give it time. 19/21
She says: women will accomplish some things, give it time. 19/21
December 8, 2025 at 8:06 PM
In 1899, the @umich.edu Daily had a women's edition, where they asked men (of course) "is co-education a failure?" and "what about women in the professional departments?" They also asked Solis about women in medicine.
She says: women will accomplish some things, give it time. 19/21
She says: women will accomplish some things, give it time. 19/21
Solis was also president of the Blackwell Medical Society, another women physician's group; talked at schools; and worked in public health with the AMA, primarily to provide clean milk to decrease TB and typhoid.
All of this, remember, was volunteer; she wasn't even in academia 18/21
All of this, remember, was volunteer; she wasn't even in academia 18/21
December 8, 2025 at 8:06 PM
Solis was also president of the Blackwell Medical Society, another women physician's group; talked at schools; and worked in public health with the AMA, primarily to provide clean milk to decrease TB and typhoid.
All of this, remember, was volunteer; she wasn't even in academia 18/21
All of this, remember, was volunteer; she wasn't even in academia 18/21
Solis was also very involved in the physician sorority Alpha Epsilon Iota, founded at @umich.edu in 1890.
Many prominent neurologist women were in AEI (more on that later ;) ), and neuroanatomists Elizabeth Crosby and Elizabeth Thompson are listed as "patronesses." 17/21
Many prominent neurologist women were in AEI (more on that later ;) ), and neuroanatomists Elizabeth Crosby and Elizabeth Thompson are listed as "patronesses." 17/21
December 8, 2025 at 8:06 PM
Solis was also very involved in the physician sorority Alpha Epsilon Iota, founded at @umich.edu in 1890.
Many prominent neurologist women were in AEI (more on that later ;) ), and neuroanatomists Elizabeth Crosby and Elizabeth Thompson are listed as "patronesses." 17/21
Many prominent neurologist women were in AEI (more on that later ;) ), and neuroanatomists Elizabeth Crosby and Elizabeth Thompson are listed as "patronesses." 17/21
When Solis was President, she also started the Women's Research Club Loan Fund: a loan of $75 to be repaid without interest in 3 years, increased to $100 in 1927.
Recipients included botanists Eileen W. Erlanson, E.K. Janaki Ammal and Milton scholar Marian Studley. 16/21
Recipients included botanists Eileen W. Erlanson, E.K. Janaki Ammal and Milton scholar Marian Studley. 16/21
December 8, 2025 at 8:06 PM
When Solis was President, she also started the Women's Research Club Loan Fund: a loan of $75 to be repaid without interest in 3 years, increased to $100 in 1927.
Recipients included botanists Eileen W. Erlanson, E.K. Janaki Ammal and Milton scholar Marian Studley. 16/21
Recipients included botanists Eileen W. Erlanson, E.K. Janaki Ammal and Milton scholar Marian Studley. 16/21
In our paper we show for the first time all the women who won the Solis award.
It's notable that these women have Wikipedia pages (Jeanne Solis doesn't yet).
It's speculative, but an award like this, early in one's career, can be life changing. 15/21
It's notable that these women have Wikipedia pages (Jeanne Solis doesn't yet).
It's speculative, but an award like this, early in one's career, can be life changing. 15/21
December 8, 2025 at 8:06 PM
In our paper we show for the first time all the women who won the Solis award.
It's notable that these women have Wikipedia pages (Jeanne Solis doesn't yet).
It's speculative, but an award like this, early in one's career, can be life changing. 15/21
It's notable that these women have Wikipedia pages (Jeanne Solis doesn't yet).
It's speculative, but an award like this, early in one's career, can be life changing. 15/21
Solis was president of the Women's Research Club for 9 years total (non-consecutive) - after she worked at
@umich.edu.
While she was president, she did something incredible: she started an award for women doing research. 14/21
@umich.edu.
While she was president, she did something incredible: she started an award for women doing research. 14/21
December 8, 2025 at 8:06 PM
Solis was president of the Women's Research Club for 9 years total (non-consecutive) - after she worked at
@umich.edu.
While she was president, she did something incredible: she started an award for women doing research. 14/21
@umich.edu.
While she was president, she did something incredible: she started an award for women doing research. 14/21
So, remember sexism?
In 1900, exclusive scientists at @umich.edu started a Research Club.
In 1902, junior researchers started a Junior Research Club.
Neither allowed women.
So the amazing Lydia DeWitt started a Women's Research Club in Oct 1902. 13/ t.co/HaMSXupO1p
In 1900, exclusive scientists at @umich.edu started a Research Club.
In 1902, junior researchers started a Junior Research Club.
Neither allowed women.
So the amazing Lydia DeWitt started a Women's Research Club in Oct 1902. 13/ t.co/HaMSXupO1p
December 8, 2025 at 8:06 PM
So, remember sexism?
In 1900, exclusive scientists at @umich.edu started a Research Club.
In 1902, junior researchers started a Junior Research Club.
Neither allowed women.
So the amazing Lydia DeWitt started a Women's Research Club in Oct 1902. 13/ t.co/HaMSXupO1p
In 1900, exclusive scientists at @umich.edu started a Research Club.
In 1902, junior researchers started a Junior Research Club.
Neither allowed women.
So the amazing Lydia DeWitt started a Women's Research Club in Oct 1902. 13/ t.co/HaMSXupO1p
Solis went on to practice neurology in private practice in Ann Arbor for a total of 50 years, "specializing in the nervous diseases of women and children."
So if that was all she did, we could say she was pretty cool, right?
But that's not all she did. Not even a little. 12/21
So if that was all she did, we could say she was pretty cool, right?
But that's not all she did. Not even a little. 12/21
December 8, 2025 at 8:06 PM
Solis went on to practice neurology in private practice in Ann Arbor for a total of 50 years, "specializing in the nervous diseases of women and children."
So if that was all she did, we could say she was pretty cool, right?
But that's not all she did. Not even a little. 12/21
So if that was all she did, we could say she was pretty cool, right?
But that's not all she did. Not even a little. 12/21
@umich.edu hired Carl D. Camp to replace Herdman.
No documentation about why, but Solis left.
She never came back.
Klingmann was promoted to her job (same salary).
Camp would not hire another woman on faculty for almost 40 years, right before retiring (Martha Westerberg, 1914-1990). 11/21
No documentation about why, but Solis left.
She never came back.
Klingmann was promoted to her job (same salary).
Camp would not hire another woman on faculty for almost 40 years, right before retiring (Martha Westerberg, 1914-1990). 11/21
December 8, 2025 at 8:06 PM
@umich.edu hired Carl D. Camp to replace Herdman.
No documentation about why, but Solis left.
She never came back.
Klingmann was promoted to her job (same salary).
Camp would not hire another woman on faculty for almost 40 years, right before retiring (Martha Westerberg, 1914-1990). 11/21
No documentation about why, but Solis left.
She never came back.
Klingmann was promoted to her job (same salary).
Camp would not hire another woman on faculty for almost 40 years, right before retiring (Martha Westerberg, 1914-1990). 11/21
And then, in 1906, Herdman died.
This is a common theme in the History of Women in Medicine: women find one strong mentor, and when he dies, their career suffers. Sabin, Crosby, Klumpke - all very successful women who lost a lot when they lost a protector. 10/21
This is a common theme in the History of Women in Medicine: women find one strong mentor, and when he dies, their career suffers. Sabin, Crosby, Klumpke - all very successful women who lost a lot when they lost a protector. 10/21
December 8, 2025 at 8:06 PM
And then, in 1906, Herdman died.
This is a common theme in the History of Women in Medicine: women find one strong mentor, and when he dies, their career suffers. Sabin, Crosby, Klumpke - all very successful women who lost a lot when they lost a protector. 10/21
This is a common theme in the History of Women in Medicine: women find one strong mentor, and when he dies, their career suffers. Sabin, Crosby, Klumpke - all very successful women who lost a lot when they lost a protector. 10/21
In 1901, Solis published a translation (from the French) of Joseph Grasset's The Diagnosis of Diseases of the Cord: Location of Lesions. 9/21
December 8, 2025 at 8:06 PM
In 1901, Solis published a translation (from the French) of Joseph Grasset's The Diagnosis of Diseases of the Cord: Location of Lesions. 9/21
By 1897, Solis was a demonstrator, and received a salary of $500 annually.
This was almost certainly through the support of William Herdman, chair of the department. (Klingmann was still not getting paid.) 8/21
This was almost certainly through the support of William Herdman, chair of the department. (Klingmann was still not getting paid.) 8/21
December 8, 2025 at 8:06 PM
By 1897, Solis was a demonstrator, and received a salary of $500 annually.
This was almost certainly through the support of William Herdman, chair of the department. (Klingmann was still not getting paid.) 8/21
This was almost certainly through the support of William Herdman, chair of the department. (Klingmann was still not getting paid.) 8/21
This salary (lack of) wasn't necessarily sexist. Other men - like her colleague Theophil Klingmann - were unpaid. Sexism was more apparent at this time in lack of advancement.
Also, they worked in private practice most of the time - that's how they could be unpaid. 7/21
Also, they worked in private practice most of the time - that's how they could be unpaid. 7/21
December 8, 2025 at 8:06 PM
This salary (lack of) wasn't necessarily sexist. Other men - like her colleague Theophil Klingmann - were unpaid. Sexism was more apparent at this time in lack of advancement.
Also, they worked in private practice most of the time - that's how they could be unpaid. 7/21
Also, they worked in private practice most of the time - that's how they could be unpaid. 7/21
After graduation, she took a job as an (unpaid) assistant to the professor of nervous diseases.
As far as I can tell, Solis was the first woman neurologist ever hired on faculty anywhere. 6/21
As far as I can tell, Solis was the first woman neurologist ever hired on faculty anywhere. 6/21
December 8, 2025 at 8:06 PM
After graduation, she took a job as an (unpaid) assistant to the professor of nervous diseases.
As far as I can tell, Solis was the first woman neurologist ever hired on faculty anywhere. 6/21
As far as I can tell, Solis was the first woman neurologist ever hired on faculty anywhere. 6/21
Enter Jeanne Solis (1867-1947).
She was one of 4 daughters, born in Ontario, Canada to an attorney father and a "pioneer resident" of St. Clair, MI (I don't know why they lived in Canada, or why she chose medicine).
She graduated from @umich.edu medical school in 1892 (no yearbook photo). 5/21
She was one of 4 daughters, born in Ontario, Canada to an attorney father and a "pioneer resident" of St. Clair, MI (I don't know why they lived in Canada, or why she chose medicine).
She graduated from @umich.edu medical school in 1892 (no yearbook photo). 5/21
December 8, 2025 at 8:06 PM
Enter Jeanne Solis (1867-1947).
She was one of 4 daughters, born in Ontario, Canada to an attorney father and a "pioneer resident" of St. Clair, MI (I don't know why they lived in Canada, or why she chose medicine).
She graduated from @umich.edu medical school in 1892 (no yearbook photo). 5/21
She was one of 4 daughters, born in Ontario, Canada to an attorney father and a "pioneer resident" of St. Clair, MI (I don't know why they lived in Canada, or why she chose medicine).
She graduated from @umich.edu medical school in 1892 (no yearbook photo). 5/21
In 1871, Amanda Sanford Hickey got an MD at
@umich.edu. But this didn't mean equality.
Women said - as late as the 1930s - that there felt resentment that they were taking spots from men, and everyone thought they were just going to leave and make babies anyway. 4/21
@umich.edu. But this didn't mean equality.
Women said - as late as the 1930s - that there felt resentment that they were taking spots from men, and everyone thought they were just going to leave and make babies anyway. 4/21
December 8, 2025 at 8:06 PM
In 1871, Amanda Sanford Hickey got an MD at
@umich.edu. But this didn't mean equality.
Women said - as late as the 1930s - that there felt resentment that they were taking spots from men, and everyone thought they were just going to leave and make babies anyway. 4/21
@umich.edu. But this didn't mean equality.
Women said - as late as the 1930s - that there felt resentment that they were taking spots from men, and everyone thought they were just going to leave and make babies anyway. 4/21
Let me set the stage:
Elizabeth Blackwell was the 1st woman to get an MD in the US in 1849, and then a handful of women got MDs at coed and eclectic (naturopathic) schools - but women's-only medical schools were the only place most women got MDs for a very long time. 3/21
Elizabeth Blackwell was the 1st woman to get an MD in the US in 1849, and then a handful of women got MDs at coed and eclectic (naturopathic) schools - but women's-only medical schools were the only place most women got MDs for a very long time. 3/21
December 8, 2025 at 8:06 PM
Let me set the stage:
Elizabeth Blackwell was the 1st woman to get an MD in the US in 1849, and then a handful of women got MDs at coed and eclectic (naturopathic) schools - but women's-only medical schools were the only place most women got MDs for a very long time. 3/21
Elizabeth Blackwell was the 1st woman to get an MD in the US in 1849, and then a handful of women got MDs at coed and eclectic (naturopathic) schools - but women's-only medical schools were the only place most women got MDs for a very long time. 3/21
TL;DR:
Jeanne Solis was not only most likely the 1st woman neurologist on faculty anywhere - she hosted a $25 research prize for women out of her own funds, won by notable women including neuroanatomist Elizabeth Crosby, & started a Women's Research Loan Fund at
@umich.edu 2/21
Jeanne Solis was not only most likely the 1st woman neurologist on faculty anywhere - she hosted a $25 research prize for women out of her own funds, won by notable women including neuroanatomist Elizabeth Crosby, & started a Women's Research Loan Fund at
@umich.edu 2/21
December 8, 2025 at 8:06 PM
TL;DR:
Jeanne Solis was not only most likely the 1st woman neurologist on faculty anywhere - she hosted a $25 research prize for women out of her own funds, won by notable women including neuroanatomist Elizabeth Crosby, & started a Women's Research Loan Fund at
@umich.edu 2/21
Jeanne Solis was not only most likely the 1st woman neurologist on faculty anywhere - she hosted a $25 research prize for women out of her own funds, won by notable women including neuroanatomist Elizabeth Crosby, & started a Women's Research Loan Fund at
@umich.edu 2/21