Yvonne Sylvain

Yvonne Sylvain
Born(1907-06-28)June 28, 1907
DiedOctober 3, 1989(1989-10-03) (aged 82)
AwardsHaitian Medical Association Posthumously Award
Scientific career
FieldsObstetrics and gynaecology

Yvonne Sylvain (June 28, 1907 – October 3, 1989) was a Haitian physician who was the first female medical doctor from the country. She was also the first woman accepted into the University of Haiti Medical School, and earned her medical degree in 1940. After graduation, she worked as a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology in the Port-au-Prince General Hospital. As Haiti's first female practitioner, she played an important role in providing improved medical access and tools for Haitian citizens. Among her other accomplishments, she was also one of the voices fighting for physical, economical, social, and political equality for Haitian women.