Honoria Somerville Keer

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Scottish Women's Hospital - destinations, dates, C.M.O

Honoria Somerville Keer (1883–1969) was a pioneering British surgeon and one of the first female surgeons to serve during World War I. She made significant contributions to the field of medicine and was instrumental in advancing the role of women in surgery and military medicine.

Early Life and Education

Honoria Somerville Keer was born in 1883 in Lancashire, England. She pursued her medical education at the London School of Medicine for Women, which was affiliated with the Royal Free Hospital. Keer graduated with a degree in medicine and surgery, becoming one of the few women of her time to achieve such a qualification.

Career

After completing her education, Keer worked at various hospitals in London and other parts of the United Kingdom. Her career took a significant turn during World War I when she joined the Royal Army Medical Corps as a surgeon. She was one of the first female surgeons to be appointed to this position, breaking new ground for women in the field of military medicine.

World War I Service

During the war, Keer served in several military hospitals, providing critical surgical care to wounded soldiers. Her work was highly regarded, and she was known for her skill and dedication. Keer's contributions were not only in the operating room but also in improving the conditions and efficiency of military medical facilities.

Later Life and Legacy

After the war, Keer continued to work in the medical field, although she faced the same gender-based challenges that many women of her time did. Despite these obstacles, she remained a respected figure in the medical community. Honoria Somerville Keer passed away in 1969, leaving behind a legacy of perseverance and excellence in the face of adversity.

Recognition

Keer's contributions to medicine and her role as a pioneer for women in surgery have been recognized posthumously. She is remembered as a trailblazer who paved the way for future generations of female surgeons.

See Also

• Women in medicine
• Military medicine
• World War I
• Royal Army Medical Corps
• London School of Medicine for Women