Born: June 25, 1866 (Santiago, Chile)
Died: 1950
Biography:
Eloísa Díaz Inzunza was a remarkable Chilean medical doctor who paved the way for women in the field of medicine. Born on June 25, 1866, in Santiago, Chile, she was the daughter of Eulogio Díaz Varas and Carmela Inzunza. From a young age, Eloísa exhibited a thirst for knowledge and a strong desire to make a difference in the world.
Díaz attended various prestigious schools, including Dolores Cabrera Martínez’s school, Isabel Le Brun de Pinochet’s school, and Instituto Nacional, where she completed her requisite studies. In 1880, she made history by enrolling in the Escuela de Medicina de la Universidad de Chile, becoming the first female medical student to attend the University of Chile. Her enrollment was made possible by a law that had recently been enacted, granting women the right to study at the university.
While pursuing her medical degree, Díaz faced numerous challenges and prejudices due to her gender. However, her determination and passion for medicine propelled her forward. On December 27, 1886, she achieved a groundbreaking milestone by becoming the first woman in South America to graduate from medical school and earn her medical license. Her degree was officially conferred on January 3, 1887.
For the next few years, Díaz dedicated herself to serving the community and making a positive impact on the lives of others. In January 1891, she began working at San Borja Hospital and simultaneously taught and practiced medicine at Escuela Normal from 1889 to 1897. In 1898, Díaz was appointed as the School Medic Supervisor of Santiago, a position she held until she became the School Medic Supervisor of Chile. Her tenure in this prominent role lasted for over three decades, during which she played a vital role in shaping the healthcare system and improving the well-being of the population.
In addition to her medical work, Díaz was a passionate philanthropist. She founded several kindergartens, polyclinics for the underprivileged, and school camps, demonstrating her commitment to promoting education and better healthcare access for all. Her dedication to philanthropy and her contributions to the field of medicine did not go unnoticed.
In 1910, Díaz participated in the Hygiene and Medicine International Scientific Congress held in Buenos Aires, where she was honored with the title of Illustrious Woman of America. This recognition highlighted her significant achievements and the impact she had made on society.
In 1911, Díaz was appointed as the Director of the School Medical Service of Chile. In this role, she implemented various innovative initiatives, such as school breakfast programs and mass vaccination campaigns for students. She also led efforts to combat alcoholism, rickets, and tuberculosis, demonstrating her commitment to public health and disease prevention.
Díaz’s unwavering advocacy for women’s rights led her to co-found the National Council of Women of Chile in 1919. Alongside other prominent women such as Celinda Arregui, Beatriz Letelier, Hayra Guerrero de Sommerville, Isaura Dinator, Juana de Aguirre Cerda, Carmela de Laso, and Fresia Escobar, she actively fought for the rights and empowerment of women in Chile.
Eloísa Díaz retired in 1925, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the field of medicine and social activism. Her tireless efforts and groundbreaking achievements paved the way for future generations of women in medicine. It is worth noting that her contributions went beyond her time, as her impact and influence continue to inspire aspiring female doctors worldwide.
On November 1, 1950, Eloísa Díaz passed away at the age of 84. However, her memory and legacy continue to be celebrated. In November 2013, the La Florida Dra. Eloísa Díaz Inzunza Hospital was inaugurated, paying tribute to her remarkable achievements. Furthermore, on June 25, 2018, Google honored her 152nd birthday with a Google Doodle, ensuring that her name and contributions are never forgotten.
Awards:
– Illustrious Woman of America – awarded at the Hygiene and Medicine International Scientific Congress in Buenos Aires, 1910.