Dr. Matilde Montoya, The first Mexican doctor to whom Google pays tribute

2097

After being accepted in the School of Medicine, she was ridiculed by some students who described her as a “reckless and dangerous woman”, for trying to become a doctor.

Today’s Doodle celebrates Matilde Montoya, the first doctor in Mexico, who broke through and laid the foundations for other women to follow in her footsteps.

The blog of the technology company Google indicates that, born in Mexico City, on a day like today but in 1859, Montoya was a brilliant girl, who was always encouraged by her mother to continue with her education.

With the help of private tutors, Montoya completed primary school and passed the test to become a school teacher at the elementary level at age 13.

When she enrolled in the School of Obstetrics, she started working in a hospital when she was a teenager; she obtained her degree at age 16 and worked at Casa de la Maternidad, which specialized in attending the births of single mothers.

In order to follow her dream and obtain a degree in medicine, the young midwife enrolled in the Faculty of Medicine of Mexico, but was denied admission because the official rules referred only to male students and not to female students.

Without being discouraged, Montoya wrote to President Porfirio Díaz for help, who finally supported his request, and once officially accepted, asked the House of Representatives to update the rules of the School of Medicine to allow the admission of future female candidates.

However, even after being accepted into the program, she was ridiculed by some students who described her as a “reckless and dangerous woman” for trying to become a doctor.

Despite the obstacles he faced, Montoya managed to obtain his medical degree in 1887; President Diaz and his wife attended the ceremony to congratulate her on becoming a doctor in surgery and obstetrics.

Dr. Montoya continued practicing for decades, providing care to patients from all areas, regardless of their ability to pay, and co-founded the Mexican Medical Association.

Source: reporteindigo

The Mazatlan Post