Gisela Januszewska, Jewish-Austrian physician (d. 1943)

Gisela Januszewska, born Gisela Klaber on January 22, 1867, and tragically deceased on March 2, 1943, was an extraordinary Austrian physician whose life encapsulated pioneering achievement, unwavering dedication, and profound tragedy. Known by several surnames throughout her life—including Kuhn, Rosenfeld, and Roda, reflecting various marriages—her journey as a medical professional broke significant barriers for women in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, ultimately ending in the horrors of the Holocaust.

A Groundbreaking Medical Education in Switzerland

In an era when most European universities, particularly within the Austro-Hungarian Empire, did not admit women into their medical faculties, Gisela Januszewska sought her education abroad. She pursued her medical degree in Switzerland, a progressive nation that was at the forefront of opening higher education to women. This pivotal decision allowed her to graduate as a medical doctor in 1890 from a reputable institution, likely the University of Zurich, which was notable for its early acceptance of female students.

Pioneering Medical Practice in Banja Luka

Following her graduation and a brief period of work experience in Germany, Gisela Januszewska embarked on a truly pioneering path. In 1893, she moved to Banja Luka, a significant town in what was then the Austro-Hungarian occupied territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Here, she achieved the distinction of becoming the first female physician in the region. For seven years, until 1900, she served as a government-appointed district physician (Amtsärztin), providing crucial medical care and public health services in an environment that was often challenging and underserved. Her work in Banja Luka laid the groundwork for future generations of female medical professionals in the region.

Distinguished Service and Social Activism

Gisela Januszewska's dedication extended far beyond clinical practice. During the tumultuous years of the First World War (1914-1918), she served with exceptional bravery and commitment, providing medical assistance to those affected by the conflict. Her invaluable contributions during this period were formally recognized with the highest decorations for her service, including the prestigious Gold Medal of Merit with the Crown on the Ribbon of the Military Merit Cross (Goldenes Verdienstkreuz mit der Krone am Bande des Militärverdienstkreuzes), a testament to her heroism and sacrifice. After the war, she returned to Austria, likely Vienna, where she channelled her energies into social activism. She became a prominent advocate for public health and welfare, particularly focusing on issues affecting mothers and children, and was actively involved in organizations like the "Verband der Ärztinnen Österreichs" (Association of Female Doctors in Austria).

A Tragic End in the Holocaust

Despite her lifelong dedication to healing and social betterment, Gisela Januszewska's life met a tragic and unjust end. As a person of Jewish heritage, she fell victim to the escalating persecution by the Nazi regime during the Second World War. At the advanced age of 75, she was deported on October 29, 1942, to the Theresienstadt (Terezín) concentration camp, a ghetto-camp established by the Nazis in what is now the Czech Republic. Deprived of her freedom and subjected to inhumane conditions, Gisela Januszewska perished there just a few months later, on March 2, 1943. Her death represents a profound loss, a brilliant life extinguished by the systematic atrocities of the Holocaust.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gisela Januszewska

Who was Gisela Januszewska?

Gisela Januszewska was a pioneering Austrian physician (1867-1943) who was the first female physician in Banja Luka, received high decorations for her service during World War I, and engaged in social activism, before tragically dying in a Nazi concentration camp during World War II.

Why did she have multiple surnames?

Gisela Januszewska, born Gisela Klaber, was known by several surnames (Kuhn, Rosenfeld, Roda) due to her various marriages throughout her life.

Where did Gisela Januszewska earn her medical degree?

She earned her medical degree in Switzerland, likely from the University of Zurich, as Swiss universities were among the first to admit women to medical faculties in the late 19th century when most other European countries did not.

What was her significant contribution in Banja Luka?

From 1893 to 1900, Gisela Januszewska served as the first female physician in Banja Luka, which was then part of Austro-Hungarian occupied Bosnia and Herzegovina, working as a government-appointed district physician.

What decorations did she receive for her service?

For her exceptional service during the First World War, she received high military decorations, including the Gold Medal of Merit with the Crown on the Ribbon of the Military Merit Cross.

How did Gisela Januszewska die?

Gisela Januszewska, a person of Jewish heritage, was deported by the Nazi regime to the Theresienstadt concentration camp in October 1942, where she died on March 2, 1943, as a victim of the Holocaust.