Nabihah Shatti

Pioneer Arab female physician who broke gender barriers in 19th century Middle East

Nabihah Shatti (1857-1932) was a groundbreaking Lebanese physician and educator who became the first female doctor in the Arab world. Born in Beirut during the Ottoman era, she defied cultural norms by pursuing medical education at the American University of Beirut (then Syrian Protestant College) from 1880-1884. Her graduation thesis on Women's Health Practices in Rural Lebanon challenged traditional healing methods and introduced modern medicine concepts.

Dr. Shatti established the first women's hospital in Beirut in 1890, providing care to marginalized groups while training female nurses. She pioneered midwifery education programs and authored The Health Manual for Eastern Women, translated into multiple languages. Her advocacy led to Ottoman legislation requiring female healthcare providers in women's hospitals.

Today, the Nabihah Shatti Medical Society honors her legacy, operating clinics in underserved Middle Eastern communities. Recent biographer Dr. Hiba Khalil notes, 'Her work laid the foundation for modern healthcare systems in Lebanon and across the Arab world.'