Women Pioneers in Medicine: First Milestones
As India celebrates National Doctors’ Day today, July 1, we honor the country’s first women doctors who broke barriers and fought for their right to practice medicine. They pushed against social norms and made significant contributions to the field.
Anandibai Joshi: First Woman to Study Western Medicine in the U.S.
Anandibai Joshi was the first woman from the Bombay Presidency to study and earn a degree in Western medicine in the United States. In 1883, she publicly announced her decision to study in America, highlighting the need for female doctors in India. Despite battling tuberculosis, she completed her MD and was congratulated by Queen Victoria. Upon returning to India in 1886, she became the Physician-in-Charge of the female ward at Albert Edward Hospital but sadly passed away at age 21 due to tuberculosis.
Dr. Firuza Parikh: Pioneered ICSI in India
Dr. Firuza Parikh helped India and Southeast Asia welcome their first ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) baby in 1994. This technique, crucial for couples facing infertility due to low sperm count or advanced maternal age, has since helped many achieve parenthood.
Dr. Indira Hinduja: Delivered India’s First Test Tube Baby
Dr. Indira Hinduja, an infertility specialist from Mumbai, successfully delivered India’s first IVF baby on August 6, 1986. She also introduced the first GIFT (Gamete Intra Fallopian Transfer) baby in 1988, allowing fertilization in the Fallopian tube instead of a test tube.
Dr. S. Padmavati: India’s First Woman Cardiologist
Dr. S. Padmavati, often called the god of Cardiology in India, began treating patients 66 years ago. She was the country’s first woman cardiologist and established India’s first cardiology clinic, cardiology department in a medical college, and heart foundation. Her contributions earned her the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award.
Dr. Armida Fernandez: Started Asia’s First Milk Bank
Dr. Armida Fernandez recognized the importance of mother’s milk for infant development and started Asia’s first milk bank. This initiative provides milk to babies whose mothers cannot produce enough, inspiring the creation of many more milk banks across the region.
Dr. Ajita Chakraborty: Among India’s First Women Psychiatrists
Dr. Ajita Chakraborty was one of the first female psychiatrists in India. She studied visual hallucinations of gods and goddesses, which she found to be particularly common among women. She served as a member of the World Psychiatric Association’s Transcultural Psychiatry Section for 25 years.
Conclusion
These pioneering women have not only advanced the field of medicine in India but have also paved the way for future generations of female doctors. Their legacy continues to inspire and remind us of the importance of dedication, resilience, and the pursuit of knowledge.
Re-reported from the article originally published in shethepeople.
