Description

Countess Vilma Hugonnai de Szentgyörgy (1847-1922) was the first Hungarian woman medical doctor. In 1822, she was granted a noble title by Emperor Francis I. She educated herself autodidactically from a young age, learning the basics of nursing and medicine. Later, with her husband and father's permission but without financial support, she moved to Switzerland, where women were already allowed to attend university. To finance her studies, she sold her family's jewelry. Her dedication paid off, and she graduated in 1879, becoming a doctor in Switzerland.

Accrediting her diploma in Hungary proved challenging. In 1881, after passing the necessary exams for Hungarian university studies, she applied for recognition of her medical diploma, but the regulations of the time did not allow it. She returned home in February 1880, but her diploma faced obstacles. On February 10, 1896, she again requested recognition from the monarch, which was granted on May 14, 1897, awarding her the title of medical doctor in Budapest.

At 67, she completed a military medical course in August 1914 and received a distinguished medal for her outstanding service in August 1915. She organized medical observation stations with female doctors and nurses in fourteen provincial cities. Her efforts quickly found followers, leading to hundreds of Red Cross nurses and 84 female doctors obtaining diplomas from Hungarian universities after her own diploma was recognized.

Hugonnay Vilma not only set an example as a physician but also significantly advanced women's rights, allowing them more opportunities to work, continue their education, and obtain diplomas.

Engraver: Virág Szabó