Born: 26 September 1877, Belgium
Died: 17 March 1958
Country most active: Belgium
Also known as: Bertha Vercoullie
The following bio was written by Emma Rosen, author of On This Day She Made History: 366 Days With Women Who Shaped the World and This Day In Human Ingenuity & Discovery: 366 Days of Scientific Milestones with Women in the Spotlight, and has been republished with permission.
Bertha De Vriese was a Belgian physician and a pioneer for women in medicine. She was home-schooled to prepare for university and passed the Central Jury exams in 1893. De Vriese made history by becoming the first woman to enroll in Ghent University’s medical school.
In 1900, she graduated with top honors, receiving a diploma in medicine, obstetrics, and gynecology. Her groundbreaking achievements continued as she became the first female medical graduate. De Vriese’s research, “Investigating the changes humans undergo on the distribution of blood vessels in the extremities during development,” earned her high praise and a fellowship from 1899 to 1901, enabling her to study in various European cities.
In 1903, De Vriese returned to Ghent and sought a position in the anatomy laboratory of Hector Leboucq. After significant approval processes, she became the first woman assistant in an anatomy laboratory. Her path to an academic career included completing a two-year training and publishing.
In 1905, she specialized in anatomy with her dissertation on the basilar artery’s morphology. Despite support from colleagues, the rector, and the minister, the ministry denied her an extension for further research.
After persistent efforts, De Vriese left Ghent University in 1908 and began working at Bijloke Hospital. She married Dr. Josef Vercouillie in 1914 and opened a private practice for children’s healthcare while becoming the head of the hospital’s pediatric department and a medical inspector for public schools.