 With the onset of the Franco-Prussian War and the departure of a number of hospital physicians for the front, she was made a temporary intern until July 1871, at Professor Broca's suggestion.Strengthened by this experience, Brès decided to pursue a hospital career and sat the external exams, then the internal.Despite the support of Professor Broca, the director of the hospital's Public Assistance refused her authorization to work at the hospital on December 21, 1871.