Lillias Horton Underwood

American physician and medical missionary

Lillias Horton Underwood (1851 – 1921) was an American physician and medical missionary known for her work in Korea during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She was a pioneering figure in the field of medicine and played a significant role in the development of healthcare services in Korea.

Early Life and Education

Lillias Horton was born in 1851 in New York City. She pursued her education in medicine at the Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania, one of the few medical schools at the time that accepted women. After completing her medical degree, she gained experience working in various hospitals in the United States.

Missionary Work in Korea

Lillias Horton Underwood

In 1888, Lillias Horton traveled to Korea as a medical missionary under the auspices of the Presbyterian Church (USA). She was among the first female physicians to serve in Korea, where she dedicated her efforts to improving healthcare for women and children, who had limited access to medical services.

Contributions to Korean Healthcare

Dr. Underwood's work in Korea was groundbreaking. She established clinics and provided medical care to the local population, often under challenging conditions. Her efforts were instrumental in introducing Western medical practices to Korea, and she worked tirelessly to train local women in nursing and basic medical care.

Role in the Royal Court

Lillias Horton Underwood also served as a physician to the Korean royal family. Her position allowed her to influence healthcare policies and advocate for better medical facilities and practices within the country. Her work earned her the respect and admiration of both the Korean people and the expatriate community.

Personal Life

In 1889, Lillias Horton married Horace Grant Underwood, a fellow missionary and educator. Together, they worked to promote education and healthcare in Korea. The couple had a significant impact on the development of modern education and medical services in the country.

Later Years and Legacy

After many years of service in Korea, Lillias Horton Underwood returned to the United States. She continued to advocate for missionary work and the advancement of women's roles in medicine. Her legacy is remembered for her contributions to healthcare and her pioneering spirit in a time when women faced significant barriers in the medical field.

Related Pages

• Horace Grant Underwood
• Presbyterian Church (USA)
• Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania
• History of Korea