Lee Choo Neo

Singaporean physician and women's rights advocate

Lee Choo Neo (1895 – 1947) was a pioneering Singaporean physician and a prominent advocate for women's rights in the early 20th century. She holds the distinction of being the first woman to practice medicine in Singapore, breaking significant barriers in a male-dominated field.

Early Life and Education

Lee Choo Neo was born in 1895 into a prominent Peranakan family in Singapore. Her father, Lee Hoon Leong, was a successful businessman, and her family was well-regarded in the local community. From a young age, Lee Choo Neo demonstrated a keen interest in the sciences and was encouraged by her family to pursue her academic interests.

She attended the Raffles Girls' School, where she excelled in her studies. Her academic prowess earned her a place at the prestigious King Edward VII College of Medicine in Singapore, where she was one of the few female students. Lee Choo Neo graduated in 1919, becoming the first woman to do so from the institution.

Medical Career

Lee Choo Neo, Singapore's first female physician

After completing her medical degree, Lee Choo Neo began her career at the Tan Tock Seng Hospital, one of Singapore's oldest and most respected medical institutions. Her work focused on women's health, and she quickly became known for her dedication to her patients and her pioneering spirit.

In 1920, she opened her own private practice, specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. Her clinic provided much-needed medical care to women in Singapore, many of whom had limited access to healthcare services. Lee Choo Neo's practice was instrumental in improving maternal health and reducing infant mortality rates in the region.

Advocacy for Women's Rights

Beyond her medical practice, Lee Choo Neo was a fervent advocate for women's rights. She was a founding member of the Singapore Chinese Ladies' Association, an organization dedicated to advancing the social and educational status of women in Singapore. Through her work with the association, she campaigned for women's suffrage and greater educational opportunities for girls.

Lee Choo Neo also wrote extensively on issues related to women's health and rights, using her platform to educate and empower women. Her efforts were pivotal in changing societal attitudes towards women and their roles in both the family and the workforce.

Legacy

Lee Choo Neo's contributions to medicine and women's rights have left a lasting impact on Singaporean society. She is remembered as a trailblazer who paved the way for future generations of women in medicine and other professional fields. Her legacy continues to inspire women to pursue their ambitions and challenge societal norms.

Related Pages

• Women in medicine
• History of Singapore
• Women's rights in Singapore