- Until before 1849 it was believed that women were not capable of studying careers such as Medicine.
- World Medical Women’s Day is commemorated every February 11.
- In Saludiario we made a list with some of the most important women in the history of Medicine and ranges from the author of one of the first health texts in the world to the first to be director of the Ministry of Health in Mexico.
Times of change are lived and it is something that should be celebrated. One of the biggest battles that have been undertaken is for gender equality and equal opportunities. There is still a lot to do but there are some women responsible for this transformation because they are the ones who laid the foundations and that is why today they are some of the most important in the history of Medicine.
It is difficult to understand that until relatively recently there was a belief that a woman could not even go to university. The thought of the time indicated that her only functions were to marry and have children. Therefore, thinking about studying a career related to science was impossible.
With this in mind, February 11 was designated World Medical Women’s Day. This anniversary was designated in honor of Elizabeth Blackwell because on this date, but in 1849, she received the title that accredited her as the first female doctor in the United States and throughout the world. Her role was decisive in allowing and encouraging more girls and young people to follow her example.
The most important women in the history of Medicine
From the above, in Greetings We made a list to recognize those who have been of great relevance to achieve the current transformation. The first is metrodora, who lived in approximately 200 AD To date remains the author of the oldest known medical text written by a woman. Is about “On the diseases and care of women”a direct antecedent of gynecology.
Also noteworthy are cases of Gerty Theresa Cori and Barbara McClintock. The first got the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1947 when carrying out a group investigation. While the second he got it in 1983 but with the difference that his work was published alone.
Some important women who have transformed Medicine in Mexico
However, another quite important point is to know the national scene. For this reason, a person who made history was Matilde Montoya Lafragua. She is the first woman who managed to graduate as a doctor in Mexico. In 1887 she obtained that academic degree, a date that is not too distant if analyzed, although the merit of her for reaching such a great achievement cannot be denied.
Another case to be highlighted is that of the Dr. Mercedes Juan Lopez. She is a graduate of UNAM and has a specialty in Rehabilitation Medicine. Much of her work has been carried out in the political sphere and one of her greatest achievements occurred in 2012 when she was appointed director of the Ministry of Health (SSa). To date, she is the only woman to have held this position.
Recognition should also be given to Dr. María del Sol García Ortegónwho in 2017 became the first female surgeon to perform a heart transplant in Mexico. Until before her, it was believed that this type of intervention could only be led by men.
This list also highlights the Dr. Guadalupe Mercedes Lucía Guerrero Avendaño. In 2019, she managed to be the first woman to be appointed Director of the General Hospital of Mexico “Dr. Eduardo Liceaga”. This is a major feat considering that it is the largest hospital in the country and one of the most important in Latin America.
Finally, it is also worth recognizing the Dr. Teresita Corona Vázquez. In 2019, she was the first woman to be appointed Director of the National Academy of Medicine of Mexico (ANMM).
All names mentioned are examples of persevering women who today are recognized among the most important in the history of Medicine. Of course they are not the only ones because there are more examples and all of them must be valued not only one day a year but always.
Also read:
Mexican pride: Meet the first female surgeon to perform a heart transplant
Why is the Day of the Medical Woman commemorated on February 11?
For the first time, a woman will be director of the “Fray Bernardino Álvarez” Psychiatric Hospital