The Late Jennie Trout, MD

A revolutionary advocate for women in medicine

In 1875, Jennie Trout, MD, became the first woman licensed to practise medicine in Canada. Born in Scotland, she immigrated to Canada as a child and overcame many obstacles to become a doctor and a strong advocate for women’s education. Her interest in medicine was driven in part by her battle with chronic illness, for which doctors recommended electrotherapy. She and fellow future physician Emily Stowe completed the qualifying courses at the University of Toronto but as women, they were not admitted to the medical school. After instead graduating from medical school in the United States, Dr. Trout returned to Canada and established a highly successful practice in Toronto with branches in Hamilton, Brantford, and Meaford. She focused on treating women and children, specializing in electrotherapy. She was also a devoted philanthropist, opening a free dispensary for low-income patients and funding the initiative with speaking engagements across Ontario. Despite poor health that forced her to retire at 41, Dr. Trout gave a large donation and sustainable funding to help found a women’s medical school at Queen’s University. Her achievements opened doors for generations of female physicians in Canada.