Elmira Y. Howard (3 May 1841 – 7 August 1921)[1] was an American doctor and the first woman to open a medical practice in Cincinnati, Ohio.

[7] Howard decided to study medicine, partly inspired by her daughter's disability.

[8][10] That year, Howard moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where she opened an office for practice: the first woman in the city to do so.

[12] After 25 years in practice in Cincinnati, Howard moved to Marion County, Missouri.

[13] During the last three years of her life, she lived with her son, Dr. Jerome Howard in Covington, Kentucky.