FAQ About Women in the History of Medicine
Who is considered the first female surgeon in history?
The first female surgeon in recorded history is believed to be Merit-Ptah, an ancient Egyptian who lived around 2700 BCE during the early part of the Old Kingdom period. Merit-Ptah's status as the first female surgeon is based on an inscription found on her tomb, which describes her as "the Chief Physician" and "the Chief of the Lady Physicians." The inscription suggests that she held a high-ranking medical position in the court of Pharaoh Djoser.
Merit-Ptah's role as a surgeon and her prominent position in ancient Egyptian medicine is significant in the history of medicine, as it highlights the recognition and respect women could achieve in the field of healthcare in ancient civilizations. However, due to the limited historical records from this era, much of her life and work remain a subject of scholarly discussion and interpretation. Nonetheless, she is celebrated as a pioneer among women in the field of surgery and medicine.
