Fe del Mundo

Fe del Mundo (born November 27, 1911 – August 6, 2011) was a Filipino pediatrician. The first woman admitted as a student of the Harvard Medical School, she founded the first pediatric hospital in the Philippines. Her pioneering work in pediatrics in the Philippines while in active medical practice spanned eight decades.

Early life and education[edit | edit source]

Del Mundo was born on November 27, 1911 in Intramuros, Manila, Philippines. She was the sixth of eight children. Her father, Bernardo del Mundo, was a prominent lawyer from Marinduque. She enrolled at the University of the Philippines, Manila in 1926 and earned her medical degree in 1933, graduating as class valedictorian. She passed the medical board exam that same year, placing third among the examinees.

Career[edit | edit source]

In 1941, del Mundo was offered a full scholarship to any school in the United States for her postgraduate work in pediatrics. She chose to go to Harvard Medical School, becoming the first woman to be enrolled there.

In 1957, del Mundo sold her home and most of her personal effects to finance the construction of her own hospital, the Children's Medical Center. It was the first pediatric hospital in the Philippines.

Awards and recognition[edit | edit source]

Del Mundo received numerous awards in her lifetime. In 1980, she was conferred the rank and title of National Scientist of the Philippines, and in 2010, she was conferred the Order of Lakandula.

Death[edit | edit source]

Del Mundo died on August 6, 2011, at the age of 99. Her remains were buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

References[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

Fe del Mundo at WikiMD

Fe del Mundo Resources
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