IMPORTANCE OF LEARNING FROM THE MODEL: DOROTHEA ERXLEBEN (1715– 1762), THE FIRST GRADUATED FEMALE DOCTOR IN GERMANY

Résumé

Role models can encourage modern women to pursue
their careers in many professional areas but especially
in the field of medicine. Biographical insights can
provide doctors with examples of how they can develop their goals and follow them. One of such role
models was Dorothea Erxleben (1715–1762) who
became the first graduated female doctor in Germany.
e paper presents her life and work in times when
science and medicine were primarily a man’s domain.
rough her diligence, open-mindedness and persistence, Dorothea Erxleben was able to study, conduct a
successful medical practice and provide for her family.
She was also a great supporter of women’s education.
Her achievements were already appreciated during
the Age of Enlightenment and, to this day, she
remains a role model for both women and men.