Uinyeo

'''' () were female physicians who specialized in the treatment of women during the Joseon period (1392 – 1910) of Korea. The ŭinyŏ were established as a solution to social taboos against women receiving treatment from male physicians. The ŭinyŏ system first appeared in 1406 after King Taejong ordered its establishment in the Jesaengwon (濟生院 health care centers for commoners).

== Establishment == The proposal for establishing ŭinyŏ originated with Heo Do (許道), a government officer who held the title of Jijesaengwonsa'' (知濟生院事). He suggested to the king that a number of intelligent young women should receive medical training to treat women. It's been reported in the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty during the Sejong Era, that he suggested this implementation of male doctors because of discrimination between the genders; he stated that even if a male is a slave of another slave, he would still be treated. He expressed his concern at how there could even be a male doctor that would feel ashamed when looking at a female patient and ultimately refuse to treat her.