María Parado de Bellús

The first female physician in Peru, breaking gender barriers in medicine during the 19th century.

María Parado de Bellús (1799–1866) was the first woman to earn a medical degree in Peru, a groundbreaking achievement in a society that barred women from higher education. Born in Arequipa to a wealthy family, she studied medicine in secret after being denied formal enrollment at the San Fernando Royal College of Surgery. Her brother, a surgeon, privately tutored her, and she eventually presented herself for examinations under the pseudonym ‘María Parado.’ In 1829, she became Peru’s first licensed female physician, though her diploma was later reissued with her real name after protests from academic authorities.

Parado de Bellús practiced in Arequipa, focusing on obstetrics and treating both wealthy and poor patients. She also advocated for women’s access to medical education, founding a school for midwives. Despite her contributions, her legacy was largely forgotten until the late 20th century. Today, the Universidad Nacional de San Agustín in Arequipa awards the María Parado de Bellús Prize to outstanding female medical students. Her story is preserved in local archives and the book 《María Parado de Bellús: Pionera de la Medicina Peruana》.

Her struggle mirrors that of Elizabeth Blackwell in the U.S., but her challenges were compounded by Peru’s rigid class and gender hierarchies. Parado de Bellús’ advocacy laid groundwork for later reforms, including the 1871 law allowing women to study medicine in public universities.