Peseshet

Peseshet, a remarkable figure from the Fourth Dynasty of ancient Egypt, is often recognized as one of the earliest known female physicians in history. While some sources attribute the title of the first female physician to Merit-Ptah, it is widely believed that she is a fictional character inspired by Peseshet's legacy. Peseshet held the esteemed title of 'lady overseer of the female physicians,' although the extent of her practice as a physician remains uncertain.

In addition to her medical title, Peseshet was known as the king's acquaintance and overseer of funerary priests of the king's mother. These roles highlight her significant standing within the royal court and her involvement in both medical and religious spheres of ancient Egyptian society.

She is thought to have had a son named Akhethetep, whose mastaba at Giza contained her personal false door. However, the relationship between Peseshet and Akhethetep is not definitively confirmed by any inscriptions. The false door also features a man named Kanefer, who may have been her husband. Both Akhethetep and Kanefer were prominent figures during the Fourth Dynasty, serving as high-ranking officers.

There is speculation that Peseshet may have graduated midwives from an ancient Egyptian medical school located in Sais, further emphasizing her contributions to the field of medicine in her time.