Henriette Saloz-Joudra facts for kids

Henriette Saloz-Joudra (1855–1928) was a doctor born in Russia. She made history by becoming the first woman to open her own private medical office in Geneva, Switzerland.

Early Life and Education

Henriette Joudra was born in 1855 in Vitebsk, which was part of the Russian Empire (now Belarus). Her family were landowners and Russian-Polish aristocrats. She started her schooling in Saint Petersburg. Her uncle, a famous surgeon named Nikolay Pirogov, encouraged her. He strongly believed that women should be allowed to study science and medicine.

Henriette wanted to become a doctor, but at that time, medical schools in Russia did not give full doctor's diplomas to women. The best they could get was a certificate to be a "learned midwife."

Studying Medicine in Geneva

Luckily, the University of Geneva in Switzerland was different. When it officially started in 1873, it allowed women to study medicine. Switzerland was actually the first country in Europe to let women become medical students, starting in 1864.

Henriette Joudra joined the University of Geneva as an "auditor" (someone who attends classes but isn't officially enrolled) in 1876. Then, from 1877 to 1881, she became a full student. In June 1883, she successfully defended her final paper, which was about a heart condition called "galloping noise" (a type of heart rhythm ailment). Doctors who reviewed her work praised her for her scientific mind.

Starting a Medical Practice

A few months after finishing medical school, Henriette married Charles-Eugène Saloz, who was also a doctor. They had two sons who later followed in their parents' footsteps and also became doctors, studying at the University of Geneva.

Henriette and Charles-Eugène opened their own separate medical offices in the same building in Geneva. This made Henriette Saloz-Joudra the very first woman to have her own private medical practice in Geneva.

Helping Women and Children

Henriette mainly treated women and children, who felt comfortable talking to her about their health. She was a general doctor but also specialized in women's health (gynecology), helping with childbirth (obstetrics), and children's health (pediatrics). She built a strong group of patients, which gave her financial stability. She also gained a reputation as an active, skilled, and independent woman.

Henriette was working at the same time as Marguerite Champendal, who was the first woman born in Geneva to earn a medical degree from the University of Geneva in 1900.

Facing Challenges as a Female Doctor

Even though Henriette Saloz-Joudra was a successful doctor, it was still hard for women doctors to be fully accepted. In 1894, she tried to join the Medical Society of Geneva, which was a professional group for doctors. However, her application was turned down. The Society said they didn't need to change their rules at that time. Because his wife was refused, Dr. Charles Saloz decided not to apply either. Neither of them was ever allowed to join this important professional group.

Later Life and Death

Henriette Saloz-Joudra continued her medical practice for 40 years. In 1926, she had an accident that caused her to lose her sight. This meant she had to close her practice. She passed away in Geneva in 1928.