Eliza Rudolph, 1852-1897

The first licensed woman pharmacist in Louisiana, and the first woman to be accepted into the state pharmaceutical association.

At the age of 25, after her husband died, Eliza Rudolph became the first woman to operate her own pharmacy in Louisiana. Her admittance application to the Medical College of Louisiana University was declined, so she learned the trade as an apprentice for several years. Afterward, Rudolph was allowed to take the license examination test, and in 1880 she became the first woman licensed pharmacist in the state. After two years, and due to her professional record, she was accepted into Louisiana’s pharmaceutical association, the first woman to become a member.

Rudolph was also the first woman admitted to the Tulane University of Louisiana, and in 1890, she became the first woman to receive a certificate of proficiency. Five years later, she became the first woman to earn a Master’s Degree in pharmacy.

Later on, Rudolph served in many key positions, first as the secretary of the Orleans Pharmaceutical Association, then as the corresponding secretary of the Louisiana State Pharmaceutical Association, and finally as the association’s recording secretary, a position she held until she died in 1897.