FLASHCARDS: Agnodice and the Fight for Women in Medicine

Episode Overview:

In this powerful episode of Math, Science, History, we journey back to ancient Athens to uncover the legendary story of Agnodice, a woman who risked everything to practice medicine in a world where women weren’t even allowed to learn it.

Disguised as a man, trained by one of the greatest physicians of the time, and beloved by her patients, Agnodike became a symbol of resistance and compassion. But was she a real person, or a myth meant to inspire change? Gabrielle Birchak explores the history, controversy, and legacy of the world’s first known female doctor.

Whether fact or fiction, Agnodike's story resonates today in ongoing conversations about gender equality in medicine and science.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How Agnodike challenged the norms of ancient Athenian society and risked her life to provide healthcare for women.
Why her trial became a pivotal moment for the rights of women in medicine—and what it reveals about ancient gender dynamics.
What historians debate about her existence and how her story still influences discussions about gender equity in science and healthcare today.

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FLASHCARDS: Agnodice and the Fight for Women in Medicine