Stephen

02/01/2026

02/01/2026

02/01/2026

Dr. Fe del Mundo (1911–2011)
Pediatrician, Medical Scientist, Humanitarian

- First woman admitted to Harvard Medical School (1936), breaking gender and racial barriers.
- Pioneer of pediatrics in the Philippines—founded the country’s first pediatric hospital, the Children’s Medical Center (now Fe del Mundo Medical Center) in 1957.
- Invented a low-cost bamboo incubator for premature babies in rural areas without electricity—saving countless newborn lives.
- Authored the first Filipino textbook on pediatrics and championed immunization, breastfeeding, and child nutrition.
- Named the first female National Scientist of the Philippines (1980) and awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Public Service (1977).

Dedicated her entire life to children’s health, often treating poor patients for free. She worked well into her 90's and remains a national icon of compassion, innovation, and scientific excellence.

02/01/2026

22/09/2025