Edinburgh College of Medicine for Women

Defunct medical school in Edinburgh, Scotland

The Edinburgh College of Medicine for Women was a pioneering institution dedicated to the medical education of women in Edinburgh, Scotland. Established in the late 19th century, it played a crucial role in advancing the cause of women's medical education in the United Kingdom.

History

The Edinburgh College of Medicine for Women was founded in 1889, during a period when women were largely excluded from medical education. The college was established to provide women with the opportunity to study medicine and qualify as doctors, at a time when most medical schools in the UK did not admit female students.

Former Edinburgh Dental School, Chambers Street

The college was initially located in a building on Chambers Street, which was also home to the Edinburgh Dental School. The institution was founded by a group of progressive individuals who recognized the need for women to have access to medical education. Among the founders was Sophia Jex-Blake, a prominent advocate for women's rights and one of the first female doctors in the UK.

Curriculum and Education

The curriculum at the Edinburgh College of Medicine for Women was designed to be equivalent to that of the male medical schools. Students were taught a wide range of subjects, including anatomy, physiology, surgery, and medicine. The college employed qualified lecturers and professors, many of whom were supportive of women's education and were willing to teach at the institution.

The college also provided clinical training, which was essential for the practical experience required to become a doctor. This training was conducted in collaboration with local hospitals and clinics, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in a clinical setting.

Challenges and Achievements

The Edinburgh College of Medicine for Women faced numerous challenges throughout its existence. One of the main obstacles was the lack of recognition from the University of Edinburgh, which did not initially allow women to graduate with medical degrees. Despite this, the college persevered and continued to educate women, many of whom went on to have successful careers in medicine.

In 1892, the University of Edinburgh finally began admitting women to its medical degree program, which marked a significant victory for the college and its students. This change allowed women to receive degrees from the university, further legitimizing their qualifications and opening up more opportunities for them in the medical field.

Closure and Legacy

The Edinburgh College of Medicine for Women eventually closed in 1916, as the need for a separate institution for women diminished with the increasing acceptance of women in mainstream medical schools. However, its legacy lived on through the many women it educated and the progress it made in the fight for gender equality in medical education.

The college's efforts contributed significantly to the eventual acceptance of women in the medical profession, and it remains an important part of the history of women's education in the UK.

Related pages

• Sophia Jex-Blake
• University of Edinburgh
• Medical education in the United Kingdom