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.

Renowned for her pioneering research on intensive care unit (ICU) practices, Deborah J. Cook, MD has transformed research methods and outcomes for critically ill patients. Her work in evidence-based medicine has shaped protocols for sepsis management, fluid resuscitation, and preventing complications of critical illness, saving countless lives in ICUs worldwide. Dr. Cook’s pivotal randomized trials have influenced both practice and policy, with vast benefits for patients and their families.