Born: 1847 (Nagytétény, Hungary)
Biography:
Countess Vilma Hugonnai de Szentgyörgy was a pioneering figure in Hungarian history as the first Hungarian woman medical doctor. Born on September 30, 1847, in Nagytétény, Hungary, Vilma Hugonnai was the fifth child of Count Kálmán Hugonnai and Riza Pánczély. Her passion for medicine would lead her on a remarkable journey that would challenge societal norms and pave the way for future generations of women.
Vilma Hugonnai’s pursuit of her medical education took her to Zürich, Switzerland. There, she dedicated herself to her studies and immersed herself in the world of medicine. With unwavering determination, Vilma successfully completed her medical degree in 1879, becoming the first Hungarian woman to do so.
However, upon her return to Hungary, Vilma faced significant obstacles in establishing her career as a physician. The Hungarian administration refused to recognize her qualifications solely on the basis of her gender. Undeterred by this discrimination, Vilma turned to midwifery and worked as a midwife from the time of her return until 1897.
Despite facing numerous challenges, Vilma’s perseverance eventually paid off. In 1897, the Hungarian authorities finally acknowledged her medical degree, allowing her to establish her own medical practice. Vilma Hugonnai became a beacon of hope for aspiring women doctors in Hungary, proving that gender should never be a barrier to pursuing one’s dreams.
It is important to note that Vilma Hugonnai was not alone in her pursuit of medical qualifications for women in Hungary. Sarolta Steinberger became the first woman to qualify in Hungary in 1900. However, both Vilma and Sarolta were subjected to further restrictions, as they were required to practice under the supervision of a male doctor until 1913.
Vilma Hugonnai’s remarkable achievements have left an indelible mark on Hungarian society. Her unwavering determination and dedication to the field of medicine paved the way for countless women to follow in her footsteps. The impact of her trailblazing efforts can still be felt today, as women continue to break barriers and flourish in the medical profession.
Countess Vilma Hugonnai de Szentgyörgy’s legacy extends beyond her contributions to the field of medicine. In recognition of her remarkable achievements, an asteroid was named in her memory. Asteroid 287693 Hugonnaivilma was discovered by Hungarian astronomers Krisztián Sárneczky and Brigitta Sipőcz at Piszkéstető Station in 2003. The Minor Planet Center officially published the naming citation on August 29, 2015, paying homage to Vilma Hugonnai’s groundbreaking accomplishments.