Elizabeth Gunn (paediatrician)

New Zealand paediatrician and public health advocate

Dr. Elizabeth Gunn

Elizabeth Catherine Gunn (23 May 1879 – 26 October 1963) was a pioneering New Zealand paediatrician and public health advocate. She is best known for her work in improving the health and well-being of children in New Zealand through innovative public health initiatives.

Early Life and Education

Elizabeth Gunn was born in Dunedin, New Zealand, to parents George Gunn and Margaret Gunn. She attended Otago Girls' High School, where she excelled academically. Gunn went on to study medicine at the University of Otago, graduating with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB) in 1903. She was one of the first women to graduate in medicine from the university.

Medical Career

After completing her medical degree, Gunn worked at the Dunedin Hospital before moving to London to further her studies. In London, she gained experience in paediatrics and public health, which would later influence her career in New Zealand.

Upon returning to New Zealand, Gunn was appointed as a school medical officer in 1912. In this role, she was responsible for the health of children in schools, conducting medical examinations and promoting health education. Her work was instrumental in identifying and addressing health issues such as malnutrition and infectious diseases among schoolchildren.

World War I Service

During World War I, Gunn served as a captain in the New Zealand Medical Corps. She was stationed in England and France, where she provided medical care to soldiers. Her service was recognized with the award of the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

Captain Elizabeth Catherine Gunn

Public Health Initiatives

After the war, Gunn returned to New Zealand and resumed her work in public health. She was a strong advocate for the establishment of school clinics and the introduction of regular health checks for children. Her efforts led to the implementation of the "open-air" classroom concept, which aimed to reduce the spread of infectious diseases by improving ventilation and exposure to fresh air.

Gunn also played a key role in the development of the Plunket Society, an organization dedicated to the health and welfare of mothers and babies. Her contributions to public health were recognized with several awards and honors throughout her career.

Later Life and Legacy

Elizabeth Gunn retired in 1939 but continued to be active in public health advocacy. She passed away on 26 October 1963 in Wellington, New Zealand. Gunn's legacy lives on through her contributions to paediatrics and public health, particularly in the areas of child health and preventive medicine.

Related Pages

• Paediatrics
• Public health
• Plunket Society
• University of Otago