Panagiotatou, Angeliki (1878–1954)

Greek scientist, specializing in tropical diseases, who was the first woman to become physician, microbiologist, and professor of hygiene at the National University of Athens. Name variations: Angeliki Panajiotatou. Born in 1878 (some sources cite 1875); died in 1954; attended the Medical School of the National University of Athens; advanced studies in Germany.

A highly respected microbiologist whose research into tropical diseases halted the spread of a number of lethal epidemics of cholera and typhus, Angeliki Panagiotatou overcame the prevailing prejudices of her time to achieve world recognition in her field. Born in Greece in 1878, she received her early medical training at the National University of Athens, where she and her sister were the first women to be accepted at the medical school. Following further studies in Germany, Panagiotatou accepted a position as a lecturer at Athens, but her appointment was surrounded by controversy and students refused to attend a class taught by a woman. Forced to resign, she spent some time teaching at Cairo University in Egypt, then took up the directorship of the general hospital in Alexandria. During her tenure there, her experiments dealing with the identification of lethal epidemics were presented at numerous international conventions. In addition to her scientific work, Panagiotatou enjoyed many cultural and literary pursuits, and her home in Alexandria became a meeting place for Greek and other foreign artists and intellectuals. She returned to Greece in 1938 and was appointed a professor at the National University of Athens, where she now commanded the respect and admiration of both her students and her fellow academics.