Honoria Acosta-Sison

Honoria Acosta-Sison 1978 stamp of the Philippines

Honoria Acosta-Sison (December 30, 1888 – January 19, 1970) was a pioneering Filipino physician and the first woman to earn a degree in medicine in the Philippines. She is best known for her contributions to obstetrics and gynecology in the country.

Early Life and Education

Honoria Acosta-Sison was born on December 30, 1888, in Calasiao, Pangasinan, Philippines. She was the daughter of Valentin Acosta and Antonina Sison. Acosta-Sison showed an early interest in the sciences and pursued her education with determination.

She attended the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, where she earned her medical degree in 1910. She then went on to further her studies in the United States, specializing in obstetrics and gynecology.

Career

Upon returning to the Philippines, Acosta-Sison became a prominent figure in the field of medicine. She was appointed as a faculty member at the University of the Philippines College of Medicine, where she taught and mentored future generations of Filipino doctors.

Acosta-Sison was instrumental in establishing the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society and served as its first president. Her work significantly advanced the standards of maternal and child healthcare in the Philippines.

Contributions to Medicine

Honoria Acosta-Sison made numerous contributions to the field of obstetrics and gynecology. She was a strong advocate for women's health and worked tirelessly to improve the quality of care available to Filipino women. Her research and clinical work helped to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates in the country.

Legacy

Honoria Acosta-Sison's legacy lives on through the many doctors she trained and the institutions she helped to build. She is remembered as a trailblazer for women in medicine and a dedicated advocate for public health.

Personal Life

Honoria Acosta-Sison was married to Dr. Antonio Sison, a fellow physician. They had several children, many of whom followed in their parents' footsteps and pursued careers in medicine.

Death

Honoria Acosta-Sison passed away on January 19, 1970, leaving behind a lasting impact on the field of medicine in the Philippines.

See Also

• University of Santo Tomas
• University of the Philippines College of Medicine
• Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society
• Obstetrics
• Gynecology