Laura Esther Rodriguez Dulanto facts for kids
Laura Esther Rodríguez Dulanto (born October 18, 1872 – died July 6, 1919) was an amazing pioneer. She was the very first female doctor in Peru.
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Laura's Early Life and Education
Laura was born on October 18, 1872, in a town called Supe. This town is now part of the Lima region. Her parents were Marcelo Rodriguez and Cristina Dulanto.
After finishing the basic schooling available in her hometown, Laura and her family moved to Lima. She completed her primary education there. Her parents worked very hard to convince the education leaders to let her continue studying.
Because of their efforts, Laura was allowed to take special exams. These exams were given by a special group chosen by the Ministry of Education. This made her the first woman in Peru to ever go to university! She started in May 1892.
Becoming a Doctor
Laura worked incredibly hard at university. In 1899, she earned her degree in Medicine. Finally, on October 25, 1900, she officially became a doctor and surgeon. This happened at the Faculty of Medicine at San Marcos University.
Another woman, Inés Guideline from Ecuador, also studied there. However, there is no proof that Inés earned a degree. So, Laura remains known as the first.
Laura's Medical Work
Laura became a specialist in women's health, which is called gynecology. She wrote many important papers about topics like ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids.
She also studied other health issues, like tuberculosis. She even presented a paper about it at a big medical conference in 1913.
Laura taught and practiced medicine in several places. These included the Normal School for Women and the Liceo Fanning. She also helped organize a School of Nursing. She personally taught subjects like Anatomy, Physiology, and Hygiene to the nursing students.
Helping Her Country
In 1910, there was a growing conflict between Peru and Ecuador. Laura wanted to help her country. She started a group called the Patriotic Union of Ladies. She also gave surgical equipment to help the Military Hospital.
Laura's Legacy
Laura passed away in Lima on July 6, 1919, after a long illness.
Her courage and determination opened doors for other women in Peru. For example, in 1906, Julia Iglesias became the first Peruvian woman to graduate as a pharmacist from San Marcos. It took more than 25 years for another Peruvian woman to become a doctor. Maria Mercedes Cisneros earned her medical degree in 1929.
Tribute to Laura
On October 18, 2018, Google honored Laura. They created a special Google Doodle to celebrate what would have been her 146th birthday.
See also
In Spanish: Laura Rodríguez Dulanto para niños
