Sophie Jex-Blake was one of the first female doctors in the UK. She also campaigned for medical training for women and was involved in setting up two medical schools for women and a women's hospital.
Jex-Blake had to fight for her education, first against her father's wishes then against the system which didn't allow women to enter medical schools. She was finally awarded her MD in 1877.
http://www.hastingspress.co.uk/history/19/jex.htm