Born: 1879 (Higüey, Dominican Republic)
Died: 1947
Biography:
Andrea Evangelina Rodríguez Perozo (1879–1947) was a trailblazing figure in the Dominican Republic, known for being the country’s first female medical school graduate. Her life is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of education to overcome adversity.
Born in the small town of Higüey in the province of La Altagracia, Andrea grew up in a humble family. Her mother, Felipa Perozo, was an illiterate peasant who became pregnant by Ramón Rodríguez, a wealthy merchant and army officer. Tragically, both her mother and father abandoned her when she was a child, leaving her in the care of her paternal grandmother, Tomasina Suero de Rodríguez.
Despite the challenging circumstances, Rodríguez’s grandmother instilled in her a strong work ethic and a sense of perseverance. At the age of 6, Andrea would sell gofio, a sweet toasted cornmeal powder made by her grandmother, to help pay for her school fees. Despite the absence of her parents, Andrea’s determination to succeed was unwavering.
Her life took a significant turn when she became a part-time home health aid to Dominican poet and journalist Rafael Alfredo Deligne, who was suffering from leprosy. This encounter with Deligne not only exposed her to the world of medicine but also served as a turning point in her life. Deligne became Andrea’s mentor, and it was under his guidance that she attended the Instituto de Señoritas in the Dominican Republic.
At the Instituto de Señoritas, Andrea began her college education with the aspiration of becoming a teacher. But fate had something else in store for her. Mentored by Salomé Ureña, the founder of the school, and inspired by her predecessor, Anacaona Moscoso, who tragically passed away due to childbirth complications, Andrea decided to pursue a career in medicine.
In October 1903, Andrea Rodríguez embarked on her medical journey at the Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo’s Departamento de Medicina. Founded in 1538, the university was a renowned institution, and Andrea became the first woman to enroll in the medical program. It was a groundbreaking achievement, breaking through the barriers of gender inequality and societal expectations.
After years of hard work and dedication, Rodríguez obtained her medical degree in 1909, making her the first woman in the Dominican Republic to earn such a qualification. Her achievement was not only a personal triumph but also a significant milestone for women’s rights and opportunities in the country.
As a young physician, Rodríguez faced many challenges. Struggling to establish herself as a female doctor in San Pedro de Macorís, it was difficult to find patients and make a living. In search of better prospects, she eventually moved to the region of Ramón Santana, where she treated many guerrilla resistance fighters who opposed the American occupation of the Dominican Republic (1916–1924).
Throughout her career, Andrea Rodríguez fought against social barriers and prejudices, breaking ground for future generations of women in medicine. Her dedication to her profession and her commitment to serving her community paved the way for other women to follow in her footsteps.
Andrea Evangelina Rodríguez Perozo’s legacy continues to inspire and remind us of the transformative power of education, determination, and breaking through societal limitations. Her pioneering achievements in the medical field have left an indelible mark on Dominican society, making her an influential figure in women’s history.