Upon graduating from sixth grade, Matilde told her older brother Antonio that she wished to continue studying.

Not only did the local priest force her to listen to the mass two steps outside of the church's entrance, but mothers also prohibited their daughters from befriending her.

In 1921, she returned to Quito to Central University of Ecuador, and due to her bachelor's degree she was accepted for her doctorate program.

In 1974 at the age of 85 years in Guayaquil, Ecuador she died after complications with an earlier stroke, after her death a museum was established in Loja about her memories and achievements.

Matilde practiced medicine in Guayaquil until 1949, when she received a scholarship to study pediatrics, Neurology, and Dietetics in Argentina.

[7] Other known titles include: She overcame the odds at a time when men occupied all spaces of power, becoming the first woman to obtain a doctorate in medicine in Ecuador and the first female academic professional in the country.

Almost ten years after, Carmigniani directed a new movie of Matilde called "La dama invencible".