Agnes Yewande Savage

Scottish-born Nigerian medical doctor

Agnes Yewande Savage (21 February 1906 – 7 April 1964) was a pioneering Nigerian medical doctor and the first West African woman to train and qualify in Western medicine.

Early life and education

Agnes Yewande Savage in her early years

Agnes Yewande Savage was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, to Richard Akinwande Savage, a Nigerian medical doctor, and Maggie S. Bowie, a Scottish woman. Her father was one of the first West Africans to qualify as a doctor in the United Kingdom. Agnes was raised in a multicultural environment, which influenced her later work in bridging Western and African medical practices.

Savage attended the prestigious George Watson's College in Edinburgh, where she excelled academically. She was awarded the prestigious Dux medal, a testament to her outstanding academic performance. Her early education laid a strong foundation for her future medical career.

Medical training

In 1923, Savage enrolled at the University of Edinburgh to study medicine. She was one of the few women in her class and the only African woman, which was a significant achievement at the time. Savage graduated in 1929 with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB) degree, becoming the first West African woman to qualify as a doctor in Western medicine.

Career

Agnes Yewande Savage in 1929

After completing her medical training, Savage returned to West Africa to contribute to the development of healthcare in the region. She initially worked in the Gold Coast (now Ghana), where she was appointed as an assistant medical officer. Her work involved providing medical care to underserved communities and training local healthcare workers.

Savage was known for her dedication to improving public health and her efforts to integrate traditional African medicine with Western medical practices. She believed in the importance of cultural sensitivity in healthcare and worked tirelessly to ensure that medical services were accessible to all.

Legacy

Agnes Yewande Savage's contributions to medicine and her pioneering role as a female African doctor have left a lasting impact on the field. She paved the way for future generations of African women in medicine and is remembered for her commitment to healthcare and education.

Related pages

• Richard Akinwande Savage
• University of Edinburgh
• George Watson's College
• Gold Coast (British colony)