Catharine van Tussenbroek

Dutch physician and feminist

Catharine van Tussenbroek (4 August 1852 – 5 May 1925) was a pioneering Dutch physician and a prominent figure in the early feminist movement in the Netherlands. She was one of the first women to practice medicine in the country and made significant contributions to the field of gynecology.

Early life and education

Catharine van Tussenbroek

Catharine van Tussenbroek was born in Utrecht, Netherlands, into a family that valued education. Her father, a school principal, encouraged her academic pursuits. She attended the University of Utrecht, where she studied medicine, graduating in 1879. Van Tussenbroek was among the first women in the Netherlands to earn a medical degree, at a time when the field was predominantly male.

Medical career

After completing her studies, van Tussenbroek began her medical practice in Amsterdam. She specialized in gynecology, a field in which she would make significant contributions. Her work focused on improving women's health care and she was known for her research on the Tussenbroek cyst, a type of ovarian cyst named after her.

Van Tussenbroek was also involved in medical education, advocating for the inclusion of women in medical schools and professional organizations. She was a member of the Dutch Society for the Advancement of Medicine and contributed to various medical journals.

Feminism and advocacy

Catharine van Tussenbroek in 1922

In addition to her medical career, van Tussenbroek was a dedicated feminist. She was actively involved in the Dutch women's movement and worked alongside other prominent feminists of her time. She was a member of the Vereeniging voor Vrouwenkiesrecht (Association for Women's Suffrage) and campaigned for women's rights, including the right to vote and access to education.

Van Tussenbroek believed that women's health was intrinsically linked to their social status and worked tirelessly to improve both. Her advocacy extended to public health issues, where she emphasized the importance of preventive care and education.

Legacy

Catharine van Tussenbroek's contributions to medicine and women's rights have left a lasting impact. She is remembered as a trailblazer who broke barriers for women in medicine and as a passionate advocate for gender equality. Her work paved the way for future generations of female physicians and feminists in the Netherlands and beyond.

Related pages

• Women in medicine
• Feminism in the Netherlands
• History of gynecology