Elisa Augusta da Conceição Andrade facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elisa Augusta da Conceição Andrade
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| Born | 1855 |
| Known for | First Portuguese woman doctor |
Elisa Augusta da Conceição Andrade was a very important Portuguese doctor. She was the first woman to officially work as a doctor in Portugal, starting in 1889. Her work opened doors for many other women in medicine.
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Becoming a Doctor: Elisa's Journey
Elisa Andrade was born in Lisbon, Portugal, likely in 1855. When she was 25 years old, in 1880, she decided to study medicine. She enrolled at the Escola Politécnica of Lisbon. This school later became part of the University of Lisbon.
In 1889, after finishing her studies, Elisa opened her own doctor's office. It was located in a square in Lisbon, now called Largo Trindade Coelho. She chose to specialize in helping women and children with their health.
Making History: A New Doctor
On September 1, 1889, a big newspaper called Diário de Notícias shared exciting news. They announced that Elisa Augusta da Conceição Andrade had opened her practice. The newspaper celebrated her as the first woman doctor in Portugal. They saw this as a huge step forward for women's rights and freedom in the country. They even predicted that more women doctors would soon follow her example.
Facing Challenges: Elisa's Experience
Even though Elisa was a pioneer, her journey was not always easy. Some male students who studied with her were not very welcoming. One student, writing many years later, even made unkind comments about her. He mentioned that she was poor and had to rely on class notes instead of buying expensive textbooks.
She also faced difficulties at the Hospital de São José in Lisbon. This was a hospital where medical students trained. Some patients there were not comfortable being examined by a woman doctor. This shows the challenges Elisa faced as she broke new ground in a field mostly dominated by men.
Honoring Elisa: A Lasting Legacy
Elisa Augusta da Conceição Andrade's bravery and hard work are still remembered today. There is a street named after her in Tavira, a town in the Algarve region of Portugal. It is called Rua Dra. Elisa Augusta de Andrade. This street name honors her important role in Portuguese history.
