Jean Marie Despiau (?–1824), also spelledJean-Marie Despiaux (J. M. Despiaux for short), was a French physician,[1] later a mandarin ofNguyễn dynasty,Vietnam.[2][3]
Born inBazas,Gironde. He arrived inCochinchina fromMacau in 1795.[4] He became the personal physician ofNguyễn Ánh (later Emperor Gia Long).[5]: 105 Later, he served as an imperial physician of Nguyễn dynasty from 1802 until he died in 1824.[6]
Dr. Despiau was trusted byGia Long.[7] In 1802, Gia Long took his advice about organising medical assistance to the indigenous people, and established provincial physicians throughout Vietnam for the sick, the elderly, the incurable, the infirm, and the indigent.[8] He was described "enjoyed no political influence at all". After the accession ofMinh Mạng to the throne, he remained in the new emperor's favor.[7] In 1820, he was dispatched to Macau forsmallpox vaccine.[6]