James Barry (surgeon)

James Barry was a notable 19th-century British Army surgeon known for his exceptional medical skills and reforms in military healthcare. He was born in 1789 in Ireland and later became a pioneering figure in surgery and hygiene practices. Notably, Barry lived much of his life as a man, but it was revealed after his death in 1865 that he was assigned female at birth and had disguised his gender. This revelation sparked discussions about gender identity, societal norms, and women's roles in medicine. Barry’s legacy continues to inspire conversations about gender and professional boundaries in healthcare.