Hide to Seek Knowledge

History says that one courageous greek woman, Agnodice, concealed her gender and masqueraded as a man in order to learn medicine. Her attempt was not futile, becoming one of Athens’ most accomplished doctors, particularly in the way she helped women give birth. Her ability to empathize with women, due to the fact that she was one, led to her success, drawing unwanted hate from her male counterparts who were sure that the doctor, who they still believed was a man, seduced patients.

Escaping Death

Accusations were hurled against the woman doctor, with colleagues believing that their female patients were being enticed sexually to leave their care in favour of Agnodice. In retaliation, Agnodice revealed that no such thing was happening because of the fact that she was not really a man to begin with. Death was sure to come if it were not for her patients who cried for her to be spared. Testimonies from patients whom Agnodice cared for overwhelmed the judges, granting her clemency and permission to continue with her work mainly for her contributions to the improvement of women’s healthcare in ancient Greece. From then on, women were given the permission to practice medicine and become doctors.