Amelia Chopitea Villa facts for kids

María Amelia Chopitea Villa (born March 20, 1900 – died 1942) was an amazing Bolivian woman. She was the very first female doctor and writer in Bolivia. She achieved this at a time when society in Bolivia was mostly controlled by men.

Early Life and Education

María Amelia Chopitea Villa was born in Colquechaca, Potosí, Bolivia in the year 1900. Her parents were Adolfo Chopitea and Amelia Villa.

Becoming a Doctor

After finishing her first degree, María Amelia Chopitea Villa started studying medicine in 1919. She went to the College of Medicine at the University of Saint Francis Xavier in Sucre. She was a very bright student there.

During her studies, she worked as a student intern at the Santa Bárbara Hospital. Later, she made history by becoming the first Bolivian woman to study medicine.

Her Important Research

After university, she wrote her special doctoral paper called Causas de la mortalidad infantil. This means "Causes of Infant Mortality." Her professor, Nicolas Ortíz Antelo, helped her with it. The paper was approved on June 25, 1926.

Her research focused on why so many babies were dying at that time. She showed that for every 100 children born, 39 died. In one year, out of 870 babies born, 490 did not survive. This was a big problem in Bolivia. Her work was the first advanced study in Bolivia about pediatrics, which is the medical care of infants and children.

Studying Abroad and Helping Others

In September 1926, María Amelia Chopitea Villa traveled to Paris, France, to study even more. She learned from many doctors and worked in several hospitals there. These included Maternity Baudeloque, Tarnier, and Efants Malades.

In April 1929, she represented Bolivia at a big meeting in Paris. It was for the Medical Women's International Association. She was the only woman from South America at this important event.

When she returned to Bolivia, she became a well-known surgeon. She specialized in helping women (gynecology) and children (pediatrics). She even started a special Children's Ward at the Oruro Hospital. The Bolivian government honored her for all her hard work. She also helped families of soldiers during the Chaco War.

María Amelia Chopitea Villa was part of many important groups. She was a member of the International Medical Association in London. She was also the President of the Red Cross in Oruro. From 1930 to 1935, she was President of the Lions Club in Oruro. She was also a member of the Association of University and Professional Women in Paris. She worked hard for women's rights in Bolivia.

Her sister, Elia Chopitea, also became a doctor. She was the second woman doctor in Bolivia.

Death and Legacy

María Amelia Chopitea Villa passed away in 1942.

She is remembered as one of 999 important women in history. Her name is on the Heritage Floor. This is part of a famous art display called The Dinner Party by Judy Chicago. You can see it at the Brooklyn Museum.

See Also

In Spanish: Amelia Chopitea Villa para niños