Women in Health Care and Pediatrics: Historical Perspectives

Abstract

Women have traditionally acted as health care providers, particularly in childbirth and child health care. However, careers in health care have not always been available to women; the legitimacy of health care provided by women has repeatedly been challenged. This section briefly traces the history of women in health care, the effects of changes in medicine and medical education on women's practice, and the growth of pediatrics as a medical specialty receptive to women. Finally, accomplishments of some of the American women physicians and pediatricians are recognized. In ancient times, concepts of health and medicine were primarily nurturant and caring like the role of women in society. Women practiced as midwives in ancient Greece and may have studied medicine with male students. In fourth century Rome, many female converts to Christianity became "medicae" and reportedly founded the first Roman hospital. Women provided medical care during the middle ages but sometimes were hindered from full medical practice. Italian women were admitted to medical school and granted licenses to practice although their position in society often prevented them from using their knowledge. In Salerno, Italy, a woman, Trolula, reportedly headed a University medical department staffed entirely by women and wrote De Passionibus Mulieris, which was a teaching text for several centuries. Women were medical practitioners as early as the 13th century in France and the Slavic countries. French female physicians may have accompanied the Crusades. However, by the 14th century, women were accused of practicing medicine illegally and many were excommunicated from the Church.