First Mexican female physician, Dr. Matilde Montoya's 162nd Birthday

Dr. Matilde Montoya, who overcame numerous obstacles, to become the first female physician in Mexico. Petitioning the Mexican president, and other government officials, to open doors to the National Medical School, she blazed a trail for other women to follow in her footsteps. She was born in Mexico City on 14 March, 1859. Dr. Montoya, was a bright child, encouraged by her mother, to pursue her education. With the help of private tutors, she completed her primary education, and passed the test, to become an elementary school teacher, by age 13. Enrolling in the School for Obstetrics and Midwifery, she began working in a hospital, as a teenager. Earning her degree by age 16, she worked at Maternity House, which specialized in attending to, “hidden births” of single mothers. Pursuing her dream of a medical degree, the young midwife, applied to the, Escuela de Medicina de México, but was denied admission, because the official rules referred to alumnos (male students), and not alumnas (female students). Undeterred, Dr. Montoya, wrote to Mexican President General Porfirio Díaz for help, who ultimately supported her application. Once officially accepted, she went on to request that, the House of Representatives, update the rules of the School of Medicine, to allow for the admission of future female applicants. Even after being accepted into the program, however, she was ridiculed by some students, who described her as an "impudent and dangerous woman" for trying to become a doctor. Despite the obstacles she faced, Dr. Montoya, achieved her medical degree in 1887. President Díaz and his wife, attended the ceremony to congratulate her, on becoming.... See video for more information Thank you all for watching this video If you like thus video, subscribe to footprints for more videos.