Alice Mary Barry facts for kids

Alice Mary Barry (born April 8, 1880 – died July 2, 1955) was a brave and pioneering Irish doctor. She made history as the first woman ever nominated for a special award called a fellowship from the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI).

Early Life and Becoming a Doctor

Alice Mary Barry was born in Cork, Ireland. She decided to become a doctor at a time when very few women did. In 1906, she earned her medical licence from the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland. She was one of only six women to achieve this between 1885 and 1922.

After becoming a doctor, Alice worked at the Mater Hospital in Dublin. This was part of her training, like an internship. She also earned a special diploma in Public Health in 1905. This meant she learned how to keep whole communities healthy.

Helping Babies and Families

Alice Barry was a very important member of the Women's National Health Association, which started in 1908. This group worked to improve health for women and children. Through this association, Alice became the doctor for nine "Babies Clubs" in Dublin. From 1912 to 1929, she helped many young children stay healthy.

She also helped start St Ultan's Infant Hospital in Dublin, which opened in 1919. This hospital was especially for babies and young children. Alice helped raise money for the hospital and worked hard to make it a success. She also advised the government on public health.

A Doctor During Difficult Times

Alice Barry also worked in Kilbrittain, Cork, as a local doctor. She was known for supporting the Irish independence movement. She even helped people who were seeking safety during the Irish War of Independence.

In one amazing story, she helped save Michael Collins, a famous Irish leader, from being arrested. She pretended to be visiting a sick patient. Then, she walked right past British soldiers with his important papers hidden under her jumper!

Fighting Tuberculosis

Later in her career, Alice Barry focused on treating tuberculosis (TB). This was a serious lung disease at the time. She managed special hospitals called sanatoria. One was in Rossclare, Co. Fermanagh, and another was the Peamount Sanatorium in Newcastle, Co. Dublin.

At Peamount, she created new ways to treat and care for children with TB. She also helped set up Peamount Industries, which provided work for patients recovering from the illness.

Breaking Barriers: The Fellowship

Alice Barry became a member of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI) in 1911. In 1914, she was the first woman ever nominated for a fellowship. This is a very high honor for doctors.

However, her nomination was stopped because the college rules said only men could receive this award. This caused a big discussion! Because of Alice, the college reviewed its rules. They eventually changed them to allow women to become fellows. It took until 1930, but Alice Barry was finally elected as a fellow. She truly broke barriers for women in medicine.

Later Life and Death

Alice Barry retired from full-time work in 1946 due to her health. But she continued to help out at St. Ultan's Hospital. She passed away on July 2, 1955, in Dublin. She is buried in Glasnevin.