Madrid mourns teh loss of Dr. María Castellano Arroyo, a pioneering figure in legal and forensic medicine, who passed away at the age of 77. Born in Jaén in 1948, Dr. Castellano Arroyo’s career was marked by groundbreaking achievements and a steadfast commitment to advancing the understanding and treatment of gender violence.

In 1980, she made history by becoming the first female professor of legal Medicine at the University of Zaragoza, a testament to her extraordinary expertise and dedication.

Early Career and Academic Achievements

Dr. Castellano Arroyo earned her Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from the University of Granada in 1972, followed by a doctorate in 1977. Seeking to broaden her knowledge, she trained in belgium under Professor Armand André at the Institute of Legal Medicine of Liege.

Upon her return to Spain, Dr.Castellano Arroyo established a modern, multidisciplinary Department of Legal medicine in Zaragoza. She also served as the head of the Legal Medicine Service and Toxicology at the Lozano Blesa University Clinical hospital until 1996.

Pioneering Research in Gender Violence

Dr. Castellano Arroyo’s research and teaching were primarily focused on gender violence, a field in which she was a true pioneer in Spain. Her work involved studying aggressions reported by women and developing a thorough expert report that addressed the medical, psychological, and psychiatric aspects of victims.

Her contributions considerably enhanced the judicial system’s ability to handle cases of family and gender violence. As the Jaén Medical College noted, she was an undisputed reference of legal medicine in Spain and essential figure having been specially recognized for her pioneering work in the research and approach of gender violence.

Recognition and Honors

Dr. Castellano Arroyo’s contributions to medicine and society were widely recognized. She was an academic member of the Royal Academies of Medicine of Zaragoza (1986), Granada (2007), and the Royal National Academy of Medicine (2012).

Her accolades include:

• First Class Cross of San Raimundo de Peñafort (1983)
• Police Merit Medal with Blanco Distinctive (1992)
• Andalusia Gold Medal (2020) for her work in combating gender violence

Legacy

Dr. Castellano Arroyo’s legacy endures in Spanish medicine,especially in legal and forensic medicine,and in the advancement of women’s rights.Her work has left an indelible mark on the field,inspiring future generations of medical professionals and advocates.