Mary Scharlieb

Mary Scharlieb (1845–1930) was a pioneering British physician and surgeon who made significant contributions to women's health and medical education for women in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born Mary Ann Dacomb Bird in Madras, India, she returned to England for her education. After marrying and starting a family, Scharlieb pursued her medical education at a time when it was rare for women to do so. She became one of the first female medical graduates in Britain, obtaining her qualifications from the London School of Medicine for Women, which was affiliated with the Royal Free Hospital. Scharlieb's medical career was marked by her dedication to improving healthcare for women and children, particularly in the areas of gynecology and obstetrics. She worked at the New Hospital for Women in London, which was staffed entirely by women physicians, and later at the Royal Free Hospital, where she became the first woman to hold a senior medical position. Scharlieb also played a crucial role in establishing medical education for women in India, founding the Madras Medical College for Women. Throughout her career, Scharlieb advocated for the importance of specialized medical care for women, arguing that female physicians were uniquely positioned to understand and treat the health issues of women and children. She published several influential books and articles on women's health, including "The Woman's Part in Child Life" and "Health and Motherhood". Her work contributed to the growing acceptance of women in the medical profession and helped to improve healthcare standards for women and children. Scharlieb was recognized for her contributions to medicine and society with numerous awards and honors. She was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 1920. In addition to her medical work, Scharlieb was involved in social reform, particularly in relation to women's rights and public health. She was a member of various committees and organizations dedicated to improving health and education, and she used her platform to advocate for social change. Mary Scharlieb's legacy is remembered for her pioneering role in women's medicine and her tireless efforts to improve healthcare for women and children. Her work paved the way for future generations of female physicians and continues to inspire those in the medical profession today.