Dolors Aleu i Riera facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dolores Aleu Riera
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| Born | April 7, 1857 |
| Died | February 19, 1913 (aged 55) |
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Known for | First Spanish woman licensed in medicine, second Spanish woman to earn an MD |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Medicine |
Dolores Aleu Riera (born April 7, 1857, in Barcelona – died February 19, 1913) was an important Spanish doctor. She made history by becoming the first woman in Spain to get a license to practice medicine. She was also the second woman in the country to earn a Doctor of Medicine degree.
Becoming a Doctor
Dolores was an only child and learned to read very early, by age five. She studied at the University of Barcelona. For a short time, in 1874-1875, she also took classes at the University of Valencia. She finished her first degree in July 1874.
Soon after, in September, she started medical school. Dolores completed her medical studies in 1879. However, she had to wait almost three years to take her final licensing exam. She finally took the exam on June 19, 1882. She passed with excellent results, becoming the first Spanish woman licensed to practice medicine.
A few months later, on October 8, 1882, Dolores became the second Spanish woman to earn a doctorate in medicine. She received her MD degree just a few days after another pioneering woman, Martina Castells Ballespí.
Her special paper, called a thesis, was presented on October 6. It was titled On the need to set the hygienic and moral education of women on a new course. In this paper, she bravely spoke out against unfair treatment of women. Her thesis is kept safe at the Biblioteca Pública Arús.
Her Medical Career
Dolores Aleu specialized in two important areas of medicine: gynecology (women's health) and pediatrics (children's health). She was one of the first three women to study medicine in Spain, along with Martina Castells and Maria Elena Maseras. But Dolores was the only one who went on to practice medicine.
She opened her own medical office in Barcelona. She worked there for 25 years, helping many patients. Martina Castells sadly passed away before she could practice. Maria Elena Maseras chose to become a teacher instead of a doctor.
Dolores was very busy during her 25 years as a doctor. She helped start the Academy of Sciences, Arts and Offices for Women in 1885. She also taught classes there about hygiene in the home. This academy helped women learn useful skills.
She was also the first woman to join a group called the Société Française d’Hygiène, which focused on public health.
Dolores also wrote helpful books for women, especially mothers. These books gave advice on how to care for their children. One book was called Advice to a Mother on Management, Cleaning, Clothing, Sleep, Exercise, and Entertaining the Children.
Besides her private practice, Dolores also worked as a general practitioner for free. She helped people at Barcelona’s poor house, the Casa de la Caritat.
Her Family Life
In 1883, Dolores Aleu married Camilo Cuyás Martí. They had two sons, named Juan and Camilo. Juan became an industrial engineer. Camilo followed in his mother's footsteps and studied medicine. Sadly, young Camilo died at age 23 from tuberculosis. It is thought that his death made Dolores very sad and might have led to her own death at age 56.
Later Years and Legacy
Dolores Aleu passed away in 1913 when she was 55 years old.
The University of Barcelona has honored her memory. A room at their Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences is named after Dolores Aleu. This room is used for important student exams.
See also
In Spanish: Dolores Aleu Riera para niños
