First woman to establish a medical practice and founder of the suffrage movement in Canada
In 1865, although opportunities for women to study medicine in Canada were limited, Emily Stowe applied to the Toronto School of Medicine. She was denied entry. Unable to study in Canada, she moved to the United States and enrolled at the New York Medical College for Women, a homeopathic institution. She obtained her degree in 1867 and returned to Canada, setting up her practice in Toronto. In so doing, Dr. Stowe became the first woman in Canada to establish a medical practice. For many years she was forced to practice without a license. She persevered, however, and on July 16, 1880 the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario granted her medical license. Dr. Stowe died in 1903 and is still remembers as a teacher, physician, suffragist, a defender of women’s rights and a champion for women in medicine.