Whether it's the pioneering women of the ancient world, such as Merit Ptah (2700 BC), the earliest cited female physician, or Agnodike, the first female physician to practice legally in 4th century BC Athens, the history of women in medicine is undeniable and long.
At UHN, we are all about celebrating our heroes, chief among them are those who challenged the proverbial glass-ceiling to pave the way for female professionals of today. On this International Women's Day, let us celebrate some of UHN's pioneering women.
Mary Agnes Snively was the first female superintendent appointed at TGH. In 1884, Miss Mary Agnes Snively accepted the position of Superintendent of Nurses. In her 25 years as leader of one of the country's foremost nursing schools, she would introduce many innovations to the education program, patient care, and the nursing profession. Miss Snively held many prestigious positions during her term at TGH. Her place in Canadian nursing history is permanently etched as one of the founding members and first President of the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA).
Augusta Stowe-Gullen (1857-1943) was the daughter of Canadian suffragette & Physician, Emily Jennings-Stowe—the second woman to receive a medical licence in Canada, and the first female physician to practice in the country. Stowe-Gullen became the first woman to graduate from a Canadian medical school in 1883, an honour denied to her mother, whose medical degree came from the United States. Stowe-Gullen went on to become the first woman appointed to the TWH medical staff—she was a mong the original staff members of Toronto Western Hospital (founded in 1896). Stowe-Gullen was active in education. “Demonstrator in Anatomy at the Woman’s Medical College in Toronto (from 1894 onwards known as the Ontario Medical College for Women). In 1890 she was appointed Lecturer on Diseases of Children, subsequently Professor of Diseases of Children.” She was a member of the Toronto Board of Education (1892–96). http://library.vicu.utoronto.ca/collections/special_collections/f26_a_stowe_gullen/index.html
In 1957, Dr. Marguerite (Peggy) Hill was appointed chief resident at Toronto General Hospital—a first for a woman. She studied psychology at UC and served in the Canadian Women’s Army Corps during WWII as one of the few woman psychologists. After the war and despite the objections of her family, she enrolled in the Faculty of Medicine at U of T, graduating at the top of her class. Hill subsequently became the first female chief resident at Toronto General Hospital, and the first woman to be appointed to the board of the CIBC. She enjoyed a 26-year career at Women’s College Hospital. (Source: Toronto doctor overcame gender obstacles by Susan Ferrier MacKay. Special to The Globe and Mail. Published Thursday February 16, 2012.)
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