Rita Lobato

Rita Lobato Velho Lopes (Rio Grande June 7, 1866 — Rio Pardo January 6, 1954) was the first woman to practice medicine in Brazil. She received her degree in 1887 from a school in Bahia. Her initial enrollment caused debate with some arguing women had brains too small to understand medicine and others saying a woman doctor could never find a husband. Although others favored her entrance and the Echo das Damas saw her as an example for Brazilian girls. She also did, in fact, marry and practiced medicine for several years.