Vera Gedroits

Vera Gedroits (1870-1932) was a Russian-born surgeon, professor of medicine, and author. She was the first female surgeon in Russia's navy, and one of the first female professors of medicine in Russia. She also made significant contributions to the field of military medicine during World War I.

Education and Career

Gedroits was born in Kiev, Ukraine, into a family of Lithuanian nobles. She studied medicine at the University of Moscow, and completed her doctorate in 1898. She worked as a physician in various hospitals in Russia, including as a surgeon in the navy. In 1918, she was appointed professor of surgery at the University of Kiev, becoming one of the first female professors of medicine in Russia.

During World War I, Gedroits worked as a surgeon in field hospitals on the Eastern Front. She pioneered the use of mobile surgical units, which allowed for faster treatment of wounded soldiers and saved many lives. She also developed new techniques for treating abdominal wounds and injuries to the chest.

Writing Career

Gedroits was also a prolific writer, publishing several books and articles on medicine and general topics. Her most famous work is a memoir entitled "Life in Motion: Memoirs of a Russian Surgeon", which was published posthumously in 1935. The book has been translated into several languages and is considered a classic of Russian literature.

Legacy

Gedroits was a trailblazer for women in medicine, and her contributions to the field have earned her recognition and respect. She was posthumously awarded the Order of the Red Banner of Labour in 1971, and a memorial plaque was installed in her honor at the University of Kiev. Today, her legacy lives on, inspiring future generations of female physicians and scientists.

# Vera Gedroits

Vera Gedroits (1870-1932) was a Russian-born surgeon, professor of medicine, and author. She was the first female surgeon in Russia's navy, and one of the first female professors of medicine in Russia. She also made significant contributions to the field of military medicine during World War I.

## Education and Career

Gedroits was born in Kiev, Ukraine, into a family of Lithuanian nobles. She studied medicine at the University of Moscow, and completed her doctorate in 1898. She worked as a physician in various hospitals in Russia, including as a surgeon in the navy. In 1918, she was appointed professor of surgery at the University of Kiev, becoming one of the first female professors of medicine in Russia.

During World War I, Gedroits worked as a surgeon in field hospitals on the Eastern Front. She pioneered the use of mobile surgical units, which allowed for faster treatment of wounded soldiers and saved many lives. She also developed new techniques for treating abdominal wounds and injuries to the chest.

## Writing Career

Gedroits was also a prolific writer, publishing several books and articles on medicine and general topics. Her most famous work is a memoir entitled "Life in Motion: Memoirs of a Russian Surgeon", which was published posthumously in 1935. The book has been translated into several languages and is considered a classic of Russian literature.

## Legacy

Gedroits was a trailblazer for women in medicine, and her contributions to the field have earned her recognition and respect. She was posthumously awarded the Order of the Red Banner of Labour in 1971, and a memorial plaque was installed in her honor at the University of Kiev. Today, her legacy lives on, inspiring future generations of female physicians and scientists.