PHOTOGRAPHY

Dolors Aleu i Riera (1857-1913) marked a milestone by becoming the first woman to graduate in Medicine and Surgery in Spain.  The daughter of a father with strong revolutionary ideals, her education was exceptionally broad for a woman of her time, preparing her to face the challenges that would come her way. 

 

Her enrollment in medical school in Barcelona in 1874 was a bold act, facing resistance from the press and opposition from some of her peers.  However, she overcame these difficulties and graduated with honors, culminating her training with a doctoral thesis in 1882 that advocated a new perspective on women’s education.  This work, in addition to being a remarkable academic achievement, reflected her deep commitment to gender equality and her defiance of the social conventions of her time.

 

Her medical career spanned twenty-five years, focusing on gynecology and pediatrics.  She cared for patients of all socioeconomic levels, demonstrating a remarkable compassion and social commitment that went beyond simply providing medical services.  In addition to his private practice, he devoted a significant portion of his time to the Casa de la Caritat, offering free medical care to underprivileged women and children, reflecting his deep concern for social justice. 

 

She published works such as “Advice to a mother”, contributing to the dissemination of knowledge about public health and the education of mothers. 

 

Her marriage to Camil Cuyàs was an exceptional support that allowed her to fully develop her vocation. 

 

After the loss of her son, Aleu passed away in 1913, leaving a legacy of professional achievements and an example of courage and independence for later generations. The destruction of a large part of her papers by her husband, after her death, is a regrettable loss for the knowledge of her history.