Emily Siedeberg

New Zealand's first female medical graduate

Emily Siedeberg

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Emily Siedeberg, New Zealand's first female medical graduate

Emily Hancock Siedeberg (17 February 1873 – 13 June 1968) was a pioneering New Zealand doctor and the first woman to graduate in medicine from a New Zealand university. Her contributions to medicine and her role in advancing women's rights in the medical profession are significant.

Early Life and Education

Emily Siedeberg was born in Dunedin, New Zealand, to Franz David Siedeberg, a German immigrant, and his wife, Anna Thompson. She attended Otago Girls' High School, where she excelled academically. Encouraged by her father, she pursued a career in medicine, a field dominated by men at the time.

In 1891, Siedeberg enrolled at the University of Otago Medical School, becoming the first woman to do so. She graduated in 1896 with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB), making her the first female medical graduate in New Zealand.

Medical Career

After completing her studies, Siedeberg traveled to Europe to further her medical education. She studied in Edinburgh and Dublin, gaining experience in obstetrics and gynecology. Upon returning to New Zealand, she established a private practice in Dunedin.

Siedeberg was appointed as the Medical Superintendent of St. Helens Hospital in Dunedin, a maternity hospital established by the government to provide care for women during childbirth. She held this position for over 30 years, advocating for improved maternal and infant health care.

Contributions to Medicine and Society

Emily Siedeberg in her later years

Emily Siedeberg was a founding member of the New Zealand Medical Women's Association, which aimed to support women in the medical profession and address issues related to women's health. She was also involved in the National Council of Women of New Zealand, where she worked on public health initiatives and women's rights.

Siedeberg's work extended beyond medicine; she was active in social reform, particularly in areas concerning women's suffrage and education. Her efforts contributed to the advancement of women in various professional fields.

Legacy

Emily Siedeberg's legacy is marked by her pioneering role in medicine and her advocacy for women's rights. She paved the way for future generations of women in medicine, breaking barriers and challenging societal norms.

Her contributions are commemorated in various ways, including the naming of the Siedeberg Trust, which supports women in medical research and education.

Related pages

• University of Otago
• New Zealand Medical Women's Association
• Women's suffrage in New Zealand