Born: 1877 (Ghent, Belgium)
Died: 1958
Biography:
Bertha De Vriese (26 September 1877 – 17 March 1958) was a Belgian physician known for her pioneering work in the field of pediatrics. She was the first woman to conduct research and graduate as a physician from Ghent University, making her a trailblazer for women’s education and medical practice in Belgium at the time.
Born on 26 September 1877 in the Coupure neighborhood of Ghent, Belgium, Bertha Coletta Constantia De Vriese was the daughter of Coralie Pannenmaeker and Lodewijk De Vriese. In her early years, education for women in Belgium was limited, and secondary schooling was not available until 1864. It wasn’t until 1876 that women were allowed to attend tertiary education institutions, with the University of Brussels opening its doors to them.
De Vriese, who had been homeschooled in preparation for her university studies, passed the exams of the Central Jury in 1893. She then became the first woman admitted to the medical school at Ghent University, where she pursued a degree in medicine. Her commitment and dedication led her to graduate summa cum laude in 1900, earning a diploma in medicine, obstetrics, and gynecology. De Vriese’s graduation marked a significant milestone as she became the first female graduate in medicine from Ghent University.
In recognition of her outstanding academic achievements, De Vriese was awarded a prize and distinction as Laureate in the University Competition the following year. This honor also earned her a gold medal from the mayor of the city of Ghent. Her research paper titled Investigating the changes humans undergo on the distribution of blood vessels in the extremities during development received high acclaim, receiving 95 out of 100 possible points in the competition.
As a laureate, De Vriese was granted a fellowship from 1899 to 1901, which allowed her to study abroad in prominent medical centers such as Berlin, Freiburg, London, Munich, Paris, Strasbourg, Vienna, and Zürich. These international experiences broadened her knowledge and expertise, equipping her with a global perspective on medical practices.
Upon her return to Ghent in 1903, De Vriese aimed to pursue an academic career and applied for a position in the anatomy laboratory of Hector Leboucq. However, as there was no precedent for a woman working in a laboratory, Leboucq had to seek approval from various authorities before she was hired. Eventually, she became the first woman to serve as an assistant in an anatomy laboratory, breaking new ground for women in the medical field.
While De Vriese faced numerous challenges and obstacles throughout her career due to gender-based discrimination, she remained steadfast in her mission to provide quality healthcare to children. In addition to her work in the anatomy laboratory, she opened a private pediatric clinic and dedicated her efforts to serving as the director of the Children’s Ward at the Bijloke Hospital in Ghent. Her expertise and commitment to pediatric medicine helped improve the wellbeing of countless young patients, and her contributions were highly regarded by her colleagues and the community.
Aside from her notable achievements in medical practice, De Vriese also played a pivotal role in advocating for women’s rights and gender equality. As one of the first women to pursue and succeed in a medical career, she served as an inspiration for future generations of female physicians. Through her determination and accomplishments, she challenged societal norms and paved the way for increased opportunities for women in medicine and academia.
Bertha De Vriese’s legacy extends beyond her lifetime, serving as a testament to the resilience and tenacity of women in the face of adversity. Her groundbreaking work in pediatrics, her commitment to providing healthcare to children, and her role as a trailblazer in women’s education and medical practice make her a significant figure in Belgian history and a symbol of empowerment for women worldwide.
Awards:
– Laureate in the University Competition
– Gold medal from the mayor of the city of Ghent