James Barry (born Margaret Anne Bulkley, or Bulkeley;[7][8] c. 1789[a] – 25 July 1865) was a military surgeon in the British Army.
Although Barry's entire adult life was lived as a man, Barry was named Margaret Anne at birth and was known as female in childhood.[10] Barry lived as a man in both public and private life, at least in part in order to be accepted as a university student, and to pursue a career as a surgeon. Barry's anatomy became known to the public and to military colleagues only after a post-mortem examination.[9]
There are several women throughout history that lived as a man in order to pursue their career ambitions. I read a book called "They Went Whistling" which chronicles several of their life histories.
It's a fascinating read....