Born: April 7, 1870 (Slobodishche, Bryansk Oblast, Russian Empire)
Died: March 1932
Biography:
Princess Vera Ignatievna Gedroits (Russian: Ве́ра Игна́тьевна Гедро́йц) was a pioneering Russian doctor of medicine and author. Born on April 7, 1870, in Slobodishche (now in the Bryansk Oblast) in the Oryol Governorate of the Russian Empire, Gedroits was the first woman military surgeon in Russia, the first woman professor of surgery, and the first woman to serve as a physician to the Imperial Court of Russia.
Gedroits faced numerous challenges and obstacles throughout her life. As a young woman, she became involved in a student movement which resulted in her being unable to complete her studies in Russia. In order to leave the country, Gedroits entered into a marriage of convenience, allowing her to obtain a passport under a different name.
She traveled to Switzerland, where she enrolled in the medical courses of renowned surgeon César Roux. Despite facing discrimination as a woman, Gedroits graduated in 1898 and worked as Roux’s assistant. However, she returned to Russia due to illnesses in her family.
Driven by a strong passion for improving healthcare, Gedroits was deeply concerned about the low standards of hygiene, nutrition, and sanitation in her country. She made numerous recommendations to improve these conditions, aiming to elevate the standard of care for her patients.
In the Russo-Japanese War, Gedroits played a pivotal role in changing the landscape of battlefield medicine. Against established policy, she performed abdominal surgeries, saving numerous lives in the process. Her groundbreaking work led to significant changes in the field of military medicine.
Recognition for Gedroits’ exceptional service during the war followed, as she received numerous awards and honors. Her expertise made her a respected figure among her colleagues and greatly influenced the medical community.
After the war, Gedroits served as a physician to the royal court, providing medical care to the Tsarina Alexandra and her daughters. She also trained them as nurses, highlighting her commitment to advancing medical education and women’s roles in healthcare.
When the Russian Revolution began, Gedroits returned to the front lines, continuing to provide medical aid. During this time, she was wounded and evacuated to Kiev, where she resumed her work as a physician and academic.
In 1921, Gedroits was appointed to teach pediatric surgery at the Kiev Medical Institute and quickly rose to the position of professor of medicine within two years. Her dedication to education and her expertise in pediatric surgery were highly regarded, and she made significant contributions to medical education in Soviet Russia.
Sadly, Gedroits’ career was cut short by the Soviet purges in 1930, which resulted in her removal from office and denial of a pension. Undeterred, she shifted her focus to writing autobiographical novels, showcasing her talent as an author.
Tragically, Gedroits succumbed to uterine cancer in March 1932, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking achievements in medicine and a lasting impact on women’s history.
Awards:
– Decorated for her outstanding service during the Russo-Japanese War
– Honored for her contributions to medical education and pediatric surgery in Soviet Russia