Ernest Adolphus Sturge

British physician and missionary

Ernest Adolphus Sturge (1865–1934) was a British physician and missionary known for his work in Japan during the early 20th century. He played a significant role in the development of medical services and education in the region, particularly through his association with the Quaker community.

Early Life and Education

Ernest Adolphus Sturge was born in 1865 in Bristol, England. He was raised in a Quaker family, which influenced his later work in missionary activities. Sturge pursued his medical education at the University of Edinburgh, where he graduated with a degree in medicine. His education equipped him with the skills necessary to embark on a career that combined both medical practice and missionary work.

Career in Japan

Ernest Adolphus Sturge arriving in Yokohama, Japan in 1915

In 1890, Sturge traveled to Japan as a missionary doctor under the auspices of the Friends' Foreign Mission Association. He initially worked in Tokyo, where he was involved in establishing medical facilities and providing healthcare services to the local population. His work was characterized by a commitment to improving public health and medical education.

Sturge's efforts in Japan were not limited to medical practice. He was instrumental in founding several medical institutions and was actively involved in training Japanese medical professionals. His work contributed to the modernization of medical practices in Japan, aligning them with Western standards.

Contributions to Medical Education

Sturge was a proponent of medical education and believed in the importance of training local healthcare providers. He was involved in the establishment of medical schools and training programs that aimed to equip Japanese students with the knowledge and skills necessary to advance the country's healthcare system.

Later Years and Legacy

Ernest Adolphus Sturge in Japan in 1915

Sturge continued his work in Japan until his retirement in the early 1930s. He returned to England, where he lived until his death in 1934. His contributions to medicine and education in Japan left a lasting impact, and he is remembered as a pioneer in the field of medical missionary work.

Related Pages

• Quakerism
• Medical Missionary
• History of Medicine in Japan