Agnodice The First Female Physician Perhaps
18 SEP 2024
Women have always played pivotal roles in history, whether widely recognized or hidden in the shadows. However, even with medical progress, over 800 women still die daily from preventable pregnancy-related causes—99% of these deaths occur in developing countries. Agnodice, an Athenian woman, is often credited as the first female doctor—but only by disguising herself as a man. In the 4th century B.C.E., Agnodice found herself before a jury of outraged men, and in a bold move, she disrobed in front of them.
But before delving into her story, it’s important to recognize that Agnodice’s tale lies in a grey area between history and legend. While some scholars assert its truth, others believe it to be myth. Regardless, it remains a fascinating story. According to legend, Agnodice, born into a wealthy Athenian family, was horrified by the high maternal and infant mortality rates during childbirth. This drove her to pursue medicine—though at the time, it was a crime for women to study or practice it, especially in gynecology. Despite advances in medicine led by Hippocrates, women refused to be examined by male doctors. This resistance gave women a poor reputation among doctors, who saw them as disinterested in their health. However, the reality was that male-dominated laws had criminalized midwifery, worsening the childbirth death rate.
Determined to make a difference, Agnodice cut her hair, donned male clothing, and traveled to Alexandria to study under Herophilos, a prominent physician of the time. Returning to Athens, Agnodice, still disguised as a man, came across a woman in labor. The women present, distrustful of male doctors, initially rejected her help. Frustrated, Agnodice revealed her true identity. Grateful for her expertise, the mother accepted her aid, leading to a safe delivery. Soon, word spread about Agnodice, the skilled "male" doctor who secretly helped women. Suspicious, Athenian men accused her of seducing their wives and daughters. Summoned to court, Agnodice had no choice but to reveal her true identity by disrobing, much to the shock of the jury.
Instead of clearing her name, this revelation enraged the men further. Furious that a woman had been practicing medicine in disguise, they sentenced her to death. Agnodice, the first woman doctor, and many of the women who followed her chose reproductive medicine not to challenge men, but to save women’s lives.
Like Agnodice, women physicians today often face a world that views their femininity as a barrier, even though they see it as a strength. Agnodice’s success, achieved while disguised as a man, was so extraordinary that it fueled suspicions of impropriety, rather than admiration. In modern times, female physicians continue to excel in patient communication and preventive care, navigating a landscape where gender politics are designed to undermine and obstruct their achievements. Yet, they persist, driven by their commitment to healing and advocacy.
