Beulah Bewley

Beulah Bewley

Beulah Bewley (2 September 1929 – 20 January 2018) was a pioneering British public health physician and a prominent advocate for women's rights in medicine. She was one of the first women to be elected to the General Medical Council and was instrumental in advancing the role of women in the medical profession.

Early Life and Education

Beulah Rosemary Knox was born in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. She attended Queen's University Belfast, where she studied medicine and graduated in 1953. Her early experiences in the medical field were marked by the challenges faced by women in a predominantly male profession.

Career

After completing her medical degree, Bewley worked in various hospitals in the UK. She developed a keen interest in public health and preventive medicine, which led her to pursue further studies in this field. She obtained a Master of Science in Social Medicine from London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.

Public Health Contributions

Bewley was a strong advocate for public health initiatives, particularly those aimed at improving the health of women and children. She conducted significant research on the effects of smoking, especially among women, and was a vocal proponent of anti-smoking campaigns.

Advocacy for Women in Medicine

Throughout her career, Bewley was a tireless advocate for gender equality in the medical profession. She was a founding member of the Medical Women's Federation and served as its president from 1982 to 1983. Her work helped to highlight the barriers faced by women in medicine and to promote policies that supported their advancement.

General Medical Council

In 1981, Beulah Bewley made history by becoming one of the first women to be elected to the General Medical Council (GMC). Her tenure at the GMC was marked by her efforts to address issues of gender discrimination and to improve the representation of women in medical governance.

Honors and Legacy

Bewley's contributions to medicine and public health were widely recognized. She was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2000 for her services to public health and medicine. Her legacy continues to inspire women in medicine and public health.

Personal Life

Beulah Bewley was married to Thomas Bewley, a psychiatrist, and they had five children. Her personal experiences as a mother and a professional informed much of her advocacy work.

Death

Beulah Bewley passed away on 20 January 2018, leaving behind a legacy of advocacy and progress for women in the medical field.

Also see

• Medical Women's Federation
• General Medical Council
• Public Health
• Gender Equality in Medicine