Maria Kalapothakes facts for kids

Maria Kalapothakes (born in Athens, 1859 – died 1941) was a pioneering Greek doctor. She holds a special place in history as the very first woman doctor in modern Greece. She achieved this before another famous female physician, Angélique Panayotatou.

Her Early Life and Education

Maria Kalapothakes was born to interesting parents. Her mother, Martha Hooper Blackler, was an American missionary. Her father, Michail Kalapothakes, was a Greek surgeon. Growing up, Maria went to a Greek high school.

She then traveled to the United States for more studies. She attended the Harvard Annex, which is now known as Radcliffe College. After that, she went to the Medical School of Paris in France. She studied there from 1886 to 1894.

In 1894, Maria returned to Athens, Greece. She took important exams at the Medical School of the University of Athens. She passed these exams and officially became a licensed doctor.

Helping Others and Leading the Way

Maria Kalapothakes was not just a doctor; she was also very active in helping her community. She was part of a kind group called the "Association of Greek Women." This group was started by Kalliroi Parren.

During the Greco-Turkish War of 1897, Maria played a vital role. She worked hard to care for soldiers who were hurt. She also taught volunteer nurses how to help the wounded. For her amazing efforts, she received a special silver medal from Queen Olga.

Maria also shared her knowledge with young people. She taught hygiene, which is about staying clean and healthy, at the Arsakeion high school for girls. From 1906 to 1909, she served as a secretary for the International Council of Women in Greece. Her dedication to helping others continued during the First Balkan War, where she once again treated wounded soldiers.