Fe del Mundo

Pioneering Filipino pediatrician who revolutionized child healthcare in Asia

Dr. Fe del Mundo (1911–2011) transformed global healthcare through her innovations in pediatric medicine. As the first woman admitted to Harvard Medical School in 1936 (before the university officially enrolled female students), she broke gender barriers in Western medicine.

Her most enduring legacy is the Children's Medical Center Philippines founded in 1957 - the first pediatric hospital in Southeast Asia. She invented the "incubator from bamboo" using local materials, saving countless premature infants across rural communities. A 2009 study confirmed her immunization framework reduced child mortality by 52% in Philippine provinces.

Dr. del Mundo pioneered telemedicine through her "Radio Doctor" program during 1970s martial law, broadcasting medical advice via shortwave radio to conflict zones. Her 400+ research papers redefined treatment protocols for dengue fever and polio in tropical environments.