Aspasia the Physician

Aspasia (ca 4th century AD) was an ancient Greek, Athenian physician that concentrated on obstetrics and gynecology. She was an exception to the ancient Greek social class system that impeded women's access to education. Her work influenced physicians and surgeons of the Byzantine medicine period, including Aetius of Amida, and Paul of Aegina. Aspasia introduced her own surgical techniques for uterine hemorrhoids, varicoceles, and hydroceles, both of which are similar to recent, modern methods. She developed a technique for moving a breech baby to ease delivery. She also worked on preventive medicine with pregnant women.