All about Dr. Matilde Montoya, first female physician of Mexico

Google is celebrating 160th Birthday of Dr. Matilde Montoya with a doodle

Matilde Montoya was the first female physician in Mexico. Matilde Montoya played an important role in the history of medicine in Mexico by becoming the first Mexican female medic. This was significant because overcoming adversity and the system she achieved the degree of doctor, which paved the way and opened the doors to all women interested in studying and engaging in this fascinating profession.

Today Google is celebrating 160th Birthday of Dr Matilde Montoya with a doodle.

Born in Mexico City on this day in 1859, Dr Montoya was a bright child encouraged by her mother to pursue her education. She completed her primary education at the age of 12 but was much too young to enter higher education. After the death of her father, Matilde enrolled in the School for Obstetrics and Midwifery.

At the age of 16, Montoya received the title of a midwife, mostly practising in Puebla, until she was 18 years old. When she received her M.D. degree from the Escuela de Medicina de México in 1887, President Diaz and his wife appeared in person to congratulate her.

Maltide Petra Montoya Lafragua was a distinguished medical professional in the areas of gynaecology, obstetrics, and paediatrics.

Her legacy is evident today and it is reflected with a whole host of outstanding colleagues in different areas of medicine and a large number of young women entering the Faculties and Schools of Medicine.