Mary Elizabeth Bennett Ritter (June 7, 1860 – March 17, 1949) was an American physician and an advocate for women's rights and public health issues in Berkeley, California.

She also advocated for women in medical professions, training for nurses, and sanitation standards in hospitals and doctor's offices.

[1] Before entering medical school, Ritter earned an independent income, which she saved to pay for educational expenses.

[1] In 1909, Mary Ritter retired from her medical practice and moved to La Jolla, California, where her husband was employed.

In La Jolla, She continued her advocacy work and gave many lectures about public health issues as well as woman and infant care.