Who was the first female doctor in Mexico?
Matilde Montoya is considered the first female doctor in Mexico, an accomplishment she achieved in an educational, social and professional society which did not project women in the medical profession.
Early Years
Matilde Petra Montoya Lafragua was born in Mexico City on March 14, 1859.
Her father was a very conservative and dominant man. Her mother devoted most of her time educating her daughter, who began to show an interest in studying at an early age. As a result, Matilde knew how to read and write at age 4. Her mother bought her books and supported her in obtaining an outstanding education.
Matilde finished her schooling at age 12, too young to enter high school.
Her mother hired private tutors so Matilda could continue her studies.
At the age of 13, she passed the test to become an elementary school teacher, but was too young to teach.
Matilde enrolled in the National School of Medicine after her father passed away. Later, as she could not afford to study in the School of Medicine, she enrolled in the School of Midwives and Obstetricians of the Maternity Home.
At the age of 16, she received the title of midwife. She then moved to Puebla where she practiced this profession.
Matilda continued to study. She took classes in private schools to complete high school.
Additionally, she worked as a surgical assistant. During this time, Matilda began to gain great fame as a midwife. Her professionalism and knowledge were considered greater than those of local doctors. This caused many doctors to start organizing campaigns against her, including defamation. They called her a Freemason and a Protestant, and advised people not to hire her as a midwife.
This caused Matilda to retreat to Veracruz.
Matilde in Medical School
After some time, she returned to Puebla. As a result of a brilliant entrance exam, she was accepted in the School of Medicine. A public ceremony was held, attended by the governor of the state, members of the judiciary, teachers, and many women of high society.
This step in her career was faced with fierce opponents. Attacks increased and an article was published whose headline was “Shameless and dangerous woman aims to become a doctor”.
This opposition made Matilde decide to return to Mexico City.
In 1882, she applied to and was accepted into the National School of Medicine. She was at the age of 24.
Attacks reappeared and support also started. She faced many difficulties. Before her freshman exams, opponents called for a review of the validity of high school subjects.
In view of this, Matilda asked that in the event that these subjects were not considered “valid”, she could take them again at San Ildefonso School. Her request was rejected as only male pupils were allowed at the school.
Faced with this opposition, Matilda decided to send a letter to the president of Mexico. President Diaz “suggested” that Matilda be allowed to take the subjects.
Matilda was then able to continue her studies. During her studies, she received financial support. She was granted a monthly allowance by the Mexican government, and the governors of the states of Morelos, Hidalgo and Puebla assigned her small pensions.
She was also paid a monthly salary by the governor of Oaxaca,to collect cow pus for the vaccination against smallpox.
On several occasions, President Díaz provided her with funding.
She had excellent grades and presented her thesis. However, she was not allowed to take the professional exam. Again, only male pupils were allowed.
During these times, a medical degree was not attainable for a woman, since medical schools (and all universities) did not accept women.
Matilda again turned to President Diaz. President Diaz issued a presidential decree which allowed women access to the same rights and obligations of men in the National School of Medicine. (presently the National Autonomous University of Mexico).
Matilda could then take the professional exam.
This cost Matilde Montoya a false claim by her critics that she had received the title by presidential decree.
Matilda brilliantly completed the theory part of the exam.
The practical exam took place at the Hospital de San Andrés. It was attended by several public figures, including President Díaz.
The practical exam consisted of Matilda having to walk around the hospital’s patient room while answering different questions about the illnesses of the patients.
The court unanimously approved her exam, a result that was greeted with a standing ovation.
In 1887, she received her medical degree from the School of Medicine. Matilda Montoya was the first Mexican woman to attain the academic degree of physician.
Later she registered as a surgeon and was declared a doctor of surgery and obstetrics.
She became a midwife, obstetrician, and surgeon.
Matilde Montoya practiced medicine in two private practices. She charged her patients according to their financial means.
Other
Matilde Montoya became a feminist symbol in Mexico in her struggle to get an education in a male-dominated system.
Her contributions went beyond her personal achievement of becoming a doctor.
After her graduation, articles were published that supported the enactment of more inclusive laws.
As a member of Humanitarian Medical League, she was also active in improving conditions for the disadvantaged. In 1891, this association opened several night doctors’ offices where those with few economic resources could be treated at any time at a reasonable price.
In 1923, she was one of the attendees at the Second Pan-American Conference of Women.
In 1925, Matilde Montoya founded, together with Dr. Aurora Uribe, the Association of Mexican Women Physicians (though she was never invited to join any official medical college, as they were still exclusively for men).
In 1937, her career was recognized in a public tribute by the Association of Mexican Physicians, the Association of Mexican University Women, and the Women’s Athenaeum.
Matilde Montoya practiced medicine until she was 73 years old.
She passed away on January 26, 1938.
Author: AllMexico.store
References
Joaquin Montano Lifeder. (1 de enero de 2023). Matilde Montoya: biografía y aportes a México. https://www.lifeder.com/matilde-montoya/.