Make Way for the Lady presents the inspiring story of Mary Putnam Jacoby, a woman ahead of her time, who yearns to become a doctor in a world that largely dismisses women's ambitions. The narrative begins with Mary, now an old woman, reflecting on her life from her wheelchair in a Midtown New York brownstone. She recalls the societal expectations of her youth, where women were often relegated to domestic roles and discouraged from pursuing careers. Her memories reveal a deep desire to contribute to society, especially in the medical field, which was considered inappropriate for women at the time.