2025 INDUCTEE Jennie Trout, MD Patient Care, Women in Medicine
April 21, 1841
(Kelso, Scotland)
November 10, 1921
MD, Women's Medical College, Pennsylvania (1875)
2021: Canadian Women Physician's Day established annually on March 11 (the date of Dr. Trout's licensure)
1991: Canada Post Stamp released in honour of Dr. Trout
See All AwardsAwards & Honours:
2021: Canadian Women Physician's Day established annually on March 11 (the date of Dr. Trout's licensure)
1991: Canada Post Stamp released in honour of Dr. Trout
1991: Canadian Heritage Minute featuring Dr. Trout's accomplishments debuted
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.
Key Facts
Became the first licensed female physician in Canada in 1875
Helped to establish a women’s medical school in Kingston, Ontario, providing opportunities for other women to pursue medical education in Canada despite significant gender discrimination
Operated several successful practices in Ontario focused on women's and children's health
Canadian Women Physician's Day is established annually on March 11 (the date of Dr. Trout's licensure)
Fun Fact: When Jennie Trout and Emily Stowe attended the Toronto School of Medicine, they had to sit across the hall in another classroom with the door open to hear the lecture as it was presented to the men.
Professional timeline
Impact on lives today
Dr. Jennie Trout's pioneering achievements as Canada's first licensed female physician shattered barriers in medicine and created lasting change. With her advocacy and commitment to medical education, she didn't just achieve personal success—she built a pathway for generations of Canadian women to enter medical practice. Her persistence in the face of discrimination and her focus on women's and children's health helped establish the principle that medical care and knowledge should be accessible to all, regardless of the physician's or patient's gender.
1921
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Died in Hollywood, California, where she and her family had relocated in 1908
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Became a trustee and benefactor of the Woman’s Medical College in Kingston, donating $10,000 toward its creation
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Retired from practice at 41 due to ongoing health concerns
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Dr. Trout opened the first of her several medical practices in Toronto
Women in MedicineThe clinic specialized in treatments for women, including the electrotherapy that Dr. Trout had found effective in treating her own chronic health issues.
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Dr. Trout graduated with an MD in the United States and returned to Ontario to pass her exams and become the first woman licensed to practice medicine in Canada
Women in MedicineSince no medical schools in Canada accepted female students at the time, Dr. Trout completed her MD at the Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania.
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Dr. Jennie Trout completed qualifying medical courses at the Toronto School of Medicine
Women in MedicineDr. Trout and her housemate, Emily Stowe, became the first two women to attend classes at the school, where female students were not yet admitted. Despite open hostility from many of her instructors and fellow students, Dr. Trout passed her qualifications to attend medical school.
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Immigrated with her family to Canada and settled near Stratford, Ontario
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Born in Kelso, Scotland
1841
She was approached to support and sponsor a medical school for women in Ontario. She agreed to support it with a generous donation, with the stipulation that the majority of the Board of Trustees should be women.
Additional Resources:
- The history of the Kingston Women’s Medical College
- Canadian Encyclopedia entry for Dr. Jennie Trout, including the “Heritage Minutes” short film about her achievements
- “The Story of Jennie Trout and Women in Medicine” from the Museum of Health Care at Kingston
- The reenactment of how Jennie Trout stood up to the prejudices of her male counterparts in the classroom.
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