Andrea Evangelina Rodríguez Perozo

Andrea Evangelina Rodríguez Perozo (1879 – 1947) was a pioneering Dominican physician and feminist. She is celebrated as the first female doctor in the Dominican Republic, having overcome significant barriers to women in medicine at the time. Rodríguez Perozo's legacy is marked by her contributions to women's healthcare and her advocacy for women's rights, particularly in the field of education and professional careers for women in the Dominican Republic.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Born in La Vega, Dominican Republic, in 1879, Andrea Evangelina Rodríguez Perozo was raised in a society where educational and professional opportunities for women were severely limited. Despite these challenges, she pursued her education with determination. Rodríguez Perozo initially trained as a teacher but was driven by a passion for medicine, a field then dominated by men.

In pursuit of her medical career, Rodríguez Perozo faced considerable obstacles due to her gender. However, her perseverance led her to enroll in the Universidad de Santo Domingo (now known as the Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo), where she excelled in her studies. In 1909, she made history by becoming the first woman to graduate from medical school in the Dominican Republic.

Career and Advocacy[edit | edit source]

After obtaining her medical degree, Dr. Rodríguez Perozo dedicated her life to serving the healthcare needs of the Dominican people, focusing particularly on women and children. She worked tirelessly in various capacities, including as a general practitioner and a public health advocate. Her work often took her to rural areas, where she provided medical care to those who had limited access to healthcare services.

Beyond her medical practice, Dr. Rodríguez Perozo was a vocal advocate for women's rights. She believed strongly in the importance of education and professional opportunities for women, arguing that societal progress depended on the contributions of both men and women. Her advocacy work contributed to the gradual opening of professional and educational fields to Dominican women.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Dr. Andrea Evangelina Rodríguez Perozo's contributions to medicine and women's rights have left a lasting impact on the Dominican Republic. Her pioneering work not only paved the way for future generations of female physicians in the country but also contributed to the broader movement for gender equality in the Dominican Republic.

In recognition of her achievements, several institutions and awards in the Dominican Republic have been named in her honor, celebrating her legacy as a trailblazer for women in medicine and as a champion of women's rights.