Frances Hoggan

Welsh physician and medical researcher

Frances Elizabeth Hoggan

Frances Elizabeth Hoggan (née Morgan; 20 December 1843 – 5 February 1927) was a pioneering Welsh physician and medical researcher. She was one of the first women to qualify as a doctor in the United Kingdom and was notable for her contributions to medicine and her advocacy for women's education and rights.

Early Life and Education

Frances Hoggan was born in Brecon, Wales, in 1843. She was the daughter of Richard Morgan, a solicitor, and his wife, Jane. From an early age, Frances showed a keen interest in learning and excelled in her studies. Her family supported her educational pursuits, which was uncommon for women at the time.

Hoggan attended Queen's College, London, where she studied under the tutelage of prominent educators. She later moved to Paris to continue her education, as opportunities for women in medicine were limited in the UK. In Paris, she studied at the École de Médecine, where she gained valuable experience and knowledge.

Medical Career

In 1870, Frances Hoggan became the first British woman to receive a medical degree from a European university, graduating from the University of Zurich. Her thesis focused on the effects of lead poisoning, a significant public health issue at the time.

Upon returning to the UK, Hoggan faced challenges in establishing her medical practice due to prevailing gender biases. Despite these obstacles, she opened a practice in London with her husband, Dr. George Hoggan, whom she had met during her studies in Zurich. Together, they ran a successful practice, and Frances became known for her expertise in pediatrics and women's health.

Advocacy and Contributions

Frances Hoggan was a strong advocate for women's rights and education. She was involved in various organizations that promoted the education and professional development of women. Hoggan was a member of the London School Board, where she worked to improve educational opportunities for girls.

She also contributed to medical research, publishing papers on topics such as tuberculosis and public health. Her work was recognized internationally, and she was invited to speak at conferences and participate in medical societies.

Later Life and Legacy

In her later years, Frances Hoggan continued to advocate for social reform and women's rights. She retired from active medical practice but remained involved in public health initiatives. Hoggan passed away in 1927, leaving behind a legacy of pioneering achievements in medicine and women's rights.

Frances Hoggan's contributions to medicine and her advocacy for women's education have been recognized as significant milestones in the history of women's rights. Her determination and achievements paved the way for future generations of women in medicine.

Related Pages

• Elizabeth Garrett Anderson
• Sophia Jex-Blake
• University of Zurich
• Women's rights