Throughout history, many people have fought for change. Some names are remembered by the majority but there are also others that remain anonymous for a large part of the population. Within this second category is a very important one that all health professionals should know. It’s about the first professional doctor in history. The most surprising thing is that it happened relatively recently, which shows the prejudices that have existed within the medical field.
Inspirational stories for all the women of the world
In this case, the mentality that has prevailed for centuries is that man must work and Women should only dedicate themselves to the home. Their only jobs are thought to be having children and doing all the housework like cooking and sweeping. The most alarming thing is that in the middle of 2022 there are still people who maintain this position that affects the development of any society.
Now, in the past it was even worse because women did not have the opportunity to study professionally. For centuries they were forbidden to go to universities on the grounds that they did not need to prepare. And when they were allowed it was for careers related to the “feminine” as sewing and tailoring.
Against all that he had to fight elizabeth blackwell, who was born in 1821 in the United Kingdom although most of his life was spent in the United States. From a young age she showed good study skills and became one of the best in her class. At that time it was thought that women should only study until high school and then look for a man to marry, but she thought differently.
His idea was to help others and as a result of the constant wars he saw that there were many sick people around him. That led her to look for a way to help others and her answer was simple but very complicated: study medicine.
The problem was that all the universities to which she applied rejected her for a very simple reason: being a woman. Back then all doctors were men because it was thought to be a “masculine” profession.
Finally, the Geneva Medical College it was the only school where she was accepted to study Medicine. But the biggest challenge is not to start but to finish. With this in mind, on February 11, 1849 elizabeth blackwell received the title with which it became the first female professional doctor in the world. Although it may seem ordinary today, for the time he lived it became a real feat. Although perhaps unintentionally, she was responsible for paving the way for millions of girls and adolescents to dedicate themselves to medicine without prejudice.
His role is so important that February 11, the date of his birth, was designated as the Medical Women’s Day. Although in reality at any time of the year you can and should recognize people who fight against prejudice and are dedicated to science.
And who was the first Mexican doctor?
After analyzing the world panorama, now is the time to see what has happened in our country. In this case, Matilde Montoya Lafraga is considered the first Mexican doctor. It was in 1887 when it was declared Doctor of 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. Without a doubt, it is an example of honor and respect in Mexico.