James Barry The first female surgeon in history to live her life under a man's name Country: Great Britain

The Life of James Barry

James Barry, a renowned surgeon who spent the majority of his life in Cape Town, was revealed to be a woman after his death. He was the first female doctor in history. Margaret Ann Bulkley, his real name, left very little information about herself, and almost nothing is known about her childhood and youth. It is presumed that she was born around 1792-1795. It is likely that her family believed she was too talented and intelligent to spend her life as a lady. In the 18th century, women were not allowed to receive a proper education. Therefore, her relatives helped her become a young man and enroll in the University of Edinburgh, in the field of medicine. While James Barry was studying, Margaret Ann Bulkley officially traveled by sea with her mother.

After graduating from university, Barry returned to London and successfully passed the examinations of the Royal College of Surgeons. He then joined the army and was soon sent to South Africa. In Cape Town, Barry served until his retirement from the military. As the colony's medical inspector, he made significant efforts to improve living conditions. He worked on improving the water supply and city governance. Throughout this time, Barry continued to practice as a surgeon. He was one of the first doctors to successfully perform a cesarean section, saving the lives of both the mother and the child.

There were suspicions about something unusual with the surgeon while he was alive. He was of short stature, had a voice that was too high for a man, and his shoulders appeared as if padded with cotton. However, it was only after his death that the truth was revealed. The story was attempted to be covered up, and it was only in the 20th century that it was conclusively proven that Margaret Ann Bulkley and James Barry were the same person.