Lara Zarb is an extraordinary young woman. Her birth has led to intrigue and speculation throughout her short life, as her celebrated educational achievements have met with both praise and criticism from the many admirers of higher education in our day. Born in Rio, Brazil, to parents who were both doctors, Lara was destined for a medical career. After completing a degree in molecular biology at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), she joined the prestigious positions of assistant professor of bacteriology and genetics at the University of London’s School of Pharmacy. This period of her academic career was crucial in establishing her own interests and passions in the areas of virology and sexually related subjects. After completing a post-graduate degree in anatomy, Lara managed to gain employment as a biochemist with the United States Army Medical Corps in Washington D.C.
The path-breaking work which has gained her a reputation as one of the world’s leading authorities in the field of sexually transmitted diseases has undoubtedly won her many accolades over her lifetime. But there is one aspect of her career, which remains a mystery to the people outside of Brazil and that is her identity. Although it has been established that her real name is Sonia Maraschin, the exact identity of this pioneering woman of the twentieth century remains a closely guarded secret even today. It is widely believed by her admirers that she was a female version of Brazil’s first President, Jus Cezanne. Whatever the speculation is, the fact remains that her extraordinary achievements have earned her a place in the annals of medical history, something which very few other physicians of their time have ever achieved.
Today, Lara continues to practice her profession as a medical consultant. She has dedicated her life to educating and informing young women about the hazards of unprotected sex and to protecting their health in general. It is this drive that has seen her travel the length and breadth of Brazil in search of sexually transmitted diseases treatment facilities, something which would otherwise have remained hidden. It is little wonder then that her achievements have inspired and continue to inspire women throughout the world.