8 Mar 2023 • For many years, the field of medicine in India was dominated by men, making it challenging for women to pursue careers in this industry. However, some resilient and determined female doctors have defied the patriarchal norms and made significant contributions to the medical field. In this article, Medflix celebrates the achievements of some of India's exceptional female doctors, who have not only broken down gender barriers but have also laid a foundation for future generations of women in medicine.

• Dr Anandibai Joshi's story is particularly remarkable: despite facing numerous obstacles, she pursued her dream of becoming a doctor and earned her degree from the Women's Medical College in Pennsylvania. Her legacy as the first female Indian physician continues to inspire women to break down gender barriers in the medical field.
• Dr Sivaramakrishna Iyer Padmavati, known as the 'Godmother of Cardiology,' was another pioneering female doctor who founded multiple institutions and established India's first cardiac catheterisation laboratory. Her work in the field of cardiology has saved countless lives and set an example for women in medicine.
• Dr Indira Hinduja, a renowned gynaecologist and infertility specialist, made history by delivering India's first test-tube baby in 1986 and developing oocyte donation techniques for menopausal and premature ovarian failure patients. Her contributions to infertility treatment earned her the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2011. You can watch the interview here
• Dr Kamini Rao, a fertility specialist, pioneered innovative techniques such as India's First SIFT Baby, South India’s first Semen Bank, and birth through ICSI and Laser Assisted Hatching. She received the Padma Shri award in 2014. Dr Rao discussed ART Bill's guidelines on Medflix. Watch the session here
• Dr Manjula Anagani, a Gynecologist and Laparoscopic Surgeon, co-founded an NGO that empowers women and has performed over 10,000 surgeries. She's known for using stem cells to treat amenorrhea and creating neovaginas for women. Watch her discuss uterine anomalies here

From Dr Anandibai Joshi, India's first female physician, to Dr Manjula Anagani, a pioneering Gynecologist and Laparoscopic Surgeon, these remarkable women have paved the way for future generations of female doctors. As we continue to celebrate their achievements, we hope that their stories will inspire and empower more women to pursue careers in medicine and break down gender barriers in the industry.