John Rolph

John Rolph

Name	John Rolph
Birth name
Birth date	1793
Birth place	Thornbury, Gloucestershire, England
Death date	October 19, 1870
Death place	Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Alma mater
Occupation	Physician, Lawyer, Politician
Years active
Organization
Known for	Founding the Toronto School of Medicine
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

John Rolph (1793 – October 19, 1870) was a prominent physician, lawyer, and politician in Upper Canada. He is best known for his role in founding the Toronto School of Medicine, which played a significant part in the development of medical education in Canada.

Early Life and Education

John Rolph was born in 1793 in Thornbury, Gloucestershire, England. He was the son of Dr. Thomas Rolph, a physician, which influenced his early interest in medicine. Rolph pursued his medical education at St John's College, Cambridge, and later at Guy's Hospital and St Thomas' Hospital in London. He completed his medical studies in 1813.

Immigration to Canada

In 1813, Rolph immigrated to Upper Canada (now Ontario), where he initially settled in Niagara. He quickly established himself as a physician and became involved in local politics. Rolph was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada in 1824, representing the constituency of Norfolk County.

Political Career

Rolph was a reform-minded politician and became associated with the Reform Movement in Upper Canada. He was a vocal critic of the Family Compact, a small group of elite families who controlled much of the political power in the province. Rolph's political career was marked by his advocacy for responsible government and his opposition to the oligarchic rule of the Family Compact.

Medical Career and the Toronto School of Medicine

In addition to his political activities, Rolph continued to practice medicine and became a leading figure in medical education. In 1843, he founded the Toronto School of Medicine, which was one of the first medical schools in Canada. The school was initially affiliated with the University of King's College, which later became the University of Toronto.

Rolph's contributions to medical education were significant. He emphasized the importance of clinical training and practical experience for medical students, which was a relatively novel approach at the time. His school attracted students from across Canada and the United States.

Later Life and Legacy

John Rolph's later years were marked by continued involvement in both medicine and politics. He served as a member of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Canada from 1848 to 1851. Rolph's influence extended beyond his lifetime, as the Toronto School of Medicine laid the groundwork for modern medical education in Canada.

Rolph passed away on October 19, 1870, in Toronto, Ontario. He is remembered as a pioneer in Canadian medical education and a reformer in Canadian politics.

Also see

• Toronto School of Medicine
• Reform Movement (Upper Canada)
• Family Compact
• University of Toronto