Andréa de Balmann

Andréa de Balmann (24 April 1913 – 2007)[1] was the first French Polynesian woman to qualify as a doctor. She was the mother of doctor Mareva Tourneux.[2]

De Balmann was born on Makatea in the Tuamotus.[1] Her father was the director of the French Phosphate Company there.[3] Her mother died in the 1918 influenza pandemic when she was four years old, and at the age of 11 she was sent to France for her education.[1] When the uncle she was staying with died, she was left alone in France.[1] In 1936, she graduated as a dental surgeon, and in 1939, as a medical doctor - the first Polynesian woman to do so.[1] After graduating, she returned to Tahiti, where she became involved in the conspiracy of the Mamao group to rally French Polynesia to the cause of Free France.[3]

She was director of the maternity ward at Vaiame hospital, and later director of the Malardé Institute.[1]

In 1972 she was made a knight of the Ordre national du Mérite. She was promoted to officer in 1981, and commander in 1990.[1] In 1977 she was made a knight of the Legion of Honour. She was promoted to officer in 1997.[1] In January 1997 she was made a Commander of the Order of Tahiti Nui.[4]