William Shippen

William Shippen Jr. (October 21, 1736 – July 11, 1808), was the first systematic teacher of anatomy, surgery and obstetrics in Colonial America and founded the first maternity hospital in America. He was the 3rd Director General of Hospitals of the Continental Army. Early life He was born on October 21, 1736, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was the son of William Shippen Sr. (1712–1801), also a doctor, and Susannah (née Harrison) Shippen. His sister, Susan Shippen, was married to Samuel Blair, the second Chaplain of the United States House of Representatives. He studied with Reverend Samuel Finley at West Nottingham Academy and then attended the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University), graduating in 1754. His valedictory address won praise from Ezra Stiles and George Whitefield. Shippen studied medicine first with his father, then went to England and Scotland and in 1761 earned his medical degree at the University of Edinburgh Medical School.