Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
During WWI, female doctors were not allowed to serve in the United State military. But that didn’t stop Minnesota’s pioneering doctor, Dr. Nellie Barsness. She joined the French Army and provided healthcare for thousands of soldiers and civilians. As one of the first women to graduate from the University of Minnesota with a degree in medicine, Dr. Nellie had an illustrious career in St. Paul, serving as a specialist and general practitioner.
This documentary film traces her life from humble roots as the daughter of Norwegian pioneers, to holding an infamous patent as Dr. Nellie made an indelible mark on Minnesota and the world.
During WWI, female doctors were not allowed to serve in the United State military. But that didn’t stop Minnesota’s pioneering doctor, Dr. Nellie Barsness. She joined the French Army and provided healthcare for thousands of soldiers and civilians. As one of the first women to graduate from the University of Minnesota with a degree in medicine, Dr. Nellie had an illustrious career in St. Paul, serving as a specialist and general practitioner.
This documentary film traces her life from humble roots as the daughter of Norwegian pioneers, to holding an infamous patent as Dr. Nellie made an indelible mark on Minnesota and the world.
