Famous women doctors from Tamil Nadu, who pioneered medical practice and social reform, include Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy, India's first woman medical graduate and founder of the Cancer Institute, Chennai. Other notable figures include Dr. Kamala Selvaraj, who pioneered IVF in South India, and Dr. R. Padmavathy, the first woman doctor in Madurai.
Pioneers and Renowned Physicians
Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy (1886–1968): India’s first woman doctor, first female legislator in British India, and founder of the Adayar Cancer Institute. She fought against the Devadasi system and for women's rights.
Dr. Kamala Selvaraj: A renowned obstetrician/gynecologist who commissioned South India’s first test-tube baby in 1990.
Dr. R. Padmavathy: Madurai’s first woman doctor, who became a prominent obstetrician, turning 100 years old in 2021.
Notable Specialists and Leaders
Dr. Sudha Seshayyan: Anatomist, author, and former Vice-Chancellor of The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University.
Dr. S. Dharmambal: A doctor and social reformer.
Dr. Sharadha Menon: Renowned psychiatrist.
Contemporary Experts (Chennai-based)
Dr. Padmapriya Vivek: HOD, Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Dr. Sandhya Vasan: Specialist in IVF and Reproductive Medicine.
Dr. S. Samundi Sankari: Infertility specialist with over 50 years of experience.
These, along with others recognized by the Women Doctors Association, Tamil Nadu, have significantly impacted medical education, healthcare access, and social justice in the state