- Although often underestimated, the nursing staff is essential in any hospital.
- Their work is essential to reassure patients.
- Currently it is estimated that 85% of the members of this guild are women.
The field of health is quite extensive and is not limited to doctors. The participation and support of other people is needed to form a successful work team. In particular, there is a guild that stands out for its close contact with the patient to reassure them and make their stay in hospitals less stressful. With this in mind, we share a list with some of the most important Mexican nurses in history.
With its white uniform and cap, it is a guild that is too important but does not always receive the recognition it deserves. In addition, its professionalization began relatively recently in our country. All due to the fact that the majority are women and for centuries it was believed that they did not have to study but only have children and stay at home.
Similarly, the salary of nursing staff is quite low compared to that received by doctors. While compared to their colleagues in other countries, in Mexico they live in precariousness. Without further ado, it’s time to meet the most important Mexican nurses in history.
Matilde Montoya Lafragua
In the specific case of health, Matilde Montoya Lafraga is a name that should be remembered. She is the first Mexican woman to achieve a medical degree. It was just one of many acts that she performed throughout her life.
Despite all the adversities, he successfully completed his studies. It was in 1887 when she was declared a professional in surgery and obstetrics by the Faculty of Medicine of Mexico. In this way, she made history and paved the way for all women in our country in the field of health, which includes nursing staff.
Maria Guadalupe Cerisola Salcido
She is considered one of those responsible for transforming the nursing system in our country. In 1943 she was appointed Head of Nursing at the “Ignacio Chávez” National Institute of Cardiology and her legacy continues to this day. She, with her leadership and her solid foundations, promoted the administrative process in the services of the Institute for daily work.
Her legacy is so great that on November 14, 2018, the Ministry of Health (SSa) decreed the Nursing Recognition that bears her name.
Graciela Arroyo de Cordero
Born in 1934, she was a Mexican nurse and academic who distinguished herself for her contribution to professionalization of the union in Mexico. She served twice as director of the National School of Nursing and Obstetrics (ENEO) of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and was the first Mexican nurse to be part of the University Council of that institution.
For her work with patients and passion for teaching, on April 10, 2006, the Nursing Recognition that bears her name was decreed.
Ana Maria Camarena Vega
The Bachelor of Nursing and Ph.D. in Administration, Ana María Camarena Vega, made history in our country. In 2021 she became the first of her guild to be appointed director of an ISSSTE Family Medicine Clinic (CMF). In his case, he is in charge of No. 2 located in Guadalajara, Jalisco. Until before her, this position was exclusively for doctors.
Fabiana Maribel Zepeda Arias
During the Covid-19 pandemic there was a name that gained notoriety and it was that of Fabiana Maribel Zepeda Arias. She is the Head of the Division of Nursing Programs at the IMSS and on several occasions was a speaker at the evening conference together with Dr. Hugo López-Gatell. Her objective was to raise awareness among the population to adopt the necessary protection measures to avoid contagion. .