Mary Scharlieb facts for kids

Dame Mary Ann Dacomb Scharlieb (born Bird; 18 June 1845 – 21 November 1930) was a groundbreaking British female doctor. She was also a specialist in women's health. Mary Scharlieb lived in the late 1800s and early 1900s. She worked in India and then came back to the UK to become a qualified doctor. Later, she returned to India and taught medicine. She was the first woman to join the honorary staff of a hospital in the UK. She became one of the most respected women in medicine of her time.

Early Life and Education

Mary Ann Dacomb Bird was raised by her grandparents. This happened after her mother passed away. She grew up in a strict Christian home. Mary went to boarding schools in Manchester and New Brighton. She also attended Mrs. Tyndall's School in London. Her childhood was typical for a middle-class girl.

When she was 19, she met William Scharlieb. He was studying to become a barrister in India. Her parents first said no to their marriage. But Mary was determined. They married in December 1865 and sailed to India soon after.

Becoming a Doctor in India

While living in Madras, India, Mary saw a big problem. There were not enough medical services for women. This was especially true for women's health and childbirth. This made giving birth very dangerous. Mary wanted to help. She began training as a pupil midwife.

She then wanted to go to medical school. Her husband did not want her to leave their young children. But in 1875, she joined Madras Medical College. She was one of the first four women students there. In three years, she earned her degree. It covered medicine, surgery, and midwifery.

Return to England and Further Studies

In 1878, Mary sailed back to England with her children. They were old enough to travel by then. She wanted to earn a medical degree in England. Part of her goal was to create a medical service for women in India. This service would be staffed by female doctors. English schools were more open to training women for this purpose.

Studying in London

When she arrived in England, she met Dr. Elizabeth Garrett Anderson. Dr. Anderson was the only qualified female doctor until 1877. She had just started the London School of Medicine for Women. Mary was accepted there. In 1879, she passed her first medical exam.

In November 1882, Mary was 37 years old. She earned her medical and surgery degrees with high honors. She won a Gold Medal and a scholarship in Obstetrics. Soon after, she also earned honors in surgery. She then studied advanced midwifery in Vienna for six weeks. Her hard work helped her gain valuable experience.

Career and Achievements

Mary met Queen Victoria, who was interested in Indian women. The Queen was curious about Mary's stories. In 1883, Mary returned to India. She became a lecturer in midwifery and women's health at Madras Medical College. She also became an examiner for the university.

In 1888, she earned her M.D. degree from London. From 1887 to 1902, she worked at the New Hospital for Women. This hospital is now called the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson and Obstetric Hospital. She first helped Dr. Elizabeth Garrett Anderson. Then she became the senior surgeon in 1889.

Hospital Appointments

In 1887, she became a lecturer at the Royal Free Hospital. She taught about medical law. In 1889, she started teaching midwifery until 1913. In 1902, she became the chief women's health specialist. In 1897, she earned her Master of Surgery degree. Mary Scharlieb was the first woman to be chosen for the honorary staff of a general hospital in the UK.

She stayed in this role until 1908. One of her students was Helen Hanson. Helen was so inspired by Mary that she became a medical missionary in India.

Private Practice and Public Work

Mary started her own private practice in England on May 21, 1887. She shared an office with her son, who was a medical student. They later moved to Harley Street. She lived and worked there for almost 40 years. After she retired from her hospital jobs in 1909, she continued her private work. Her new free time was spent on public projects. She also gave speeches and wrote books.

In 1919, she gave a special lecture. She spoke about how alcohol affects mothers and children.

Honors and Recognition

In 1926, Mary Scharlieb was given a high honor. She was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire. From 1918 to 1930, she was the president of the London School of Medicine for Women. In 1928, she received an honorary law degree (LLD) from Edinburgh University.

World War I Efforts

When World War I started in 1914, Mary was offered a job. She could lead one of the Women's Hospitals in Belgium. But she knew she was older and might not handle the tough conditions. So, she declined the offer. Instead, she offered to treat officers' wives and Belgian women for free. She became the Chairman of the Midwifery Committee. She spent much of her time and energy at its Maternity Hospital.

Beliefs and Views

Mary Scharlieb was a very religious person. She believed that her medical work was a calling from God. She thought it was important to include women's perspectives. This was true in both medicine and lawmaking. This belief also guided her work in India. She wanted to make sure women there received proper medical care.

Writings

Mary Scharlieb wrote several books:

• A Woman's Words to Women (1895)
• The Mother's Guide to the Health and Care of her Children (1905)
• Womanhood and Race-regeneration (1912)
• The Seven Ages of Woman (1915)
• The Hope of the Future (1916)
• The Welfare of the Expectant Mother (1919)
• Yet a More Excellent Way (novel) (1929)

She also wrote a book about her own life when she was older.

Legacy

In 1930, a special decision was made. A new women's health unit was built at the Royal Free Hospital. A ward in this hospital was named after her. This honored her great contributions to medicine.