Margaret Cruickshank

New Zealand's first registered female doctor

Margaret Cruickshank, circa 1897

Margaret Barnett Cruickshank (1 January 1873 – 28 November 1918) was a pioneering New Zealand doctor and the first woman to be registered as a medical practitioner in New Zealand. Her dedication to medicine and her community, especially during the 1918 influenza pandemic, left a lasting legacy.

Early life and education

Margaret Cruickshank was born in Palmerston, Otago, New Zealand. She was the daughter of George Cruickshank, a farmer, and Margaret Cruickshank (née McGregor). Margaret was one of seven children in her family. She attended Palmerston District School and later Otago Girls' High School, where she excelled academically.

In 1893, Cruickshank enrolled at the University of Otago to study medicine. She was one of the first women to enter the medical school, which had only recently begun admitting female students. She graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB) in 1897, becoming the second woman to graduate with a medical degree in New Zealand, after Emily Siedeberg.

Medical career

After completing her studies, Cruickshank began her medical practice in Waimate, a small town in the South Island of New Zealand. She joined the practice of Dr. H.C. Barclay, where she worked as an assistant before becoming a partner. Her work in Waimate involved a wide range of medical duties, including general practice, surgery, and obstetrics.

Cruickshank was known for her dedication to her patients, often traveling long distances on horseback to visit those in remote areas. She was deeply involved in the community, serving on the local school board and participating in various social and charitable organizations.

Influenza pandemic of 1918

Dr. Margaret Cruickshank in Waimate

During the 1918 influenza pandemic, Cruickshank worked tirelessly to care for the sick in Waimate. Despite the overwhelming number of patients and the lack of effective treatments, she continued to provide medical care and support to her community. Her selfless service during the pandemic was widely recognized and appreciated.

Tragically, Cruickshank contracted influenza herself while caring for her patients. She succumbed to the disease on 28 November 1918, at the age of 45. Her death was a significant loss to the community and the medical profession in New Zealand.

Legacy

Margaret Cruickshank's contributions to medicine and her community have been commemorated in various ways. In 1923, a statue was erected in her honor in Waimate, making her the first woman in New Zealand to be memorialized with a public statue. The statue stands as a testament to her pioneering spirit and dedication to the welfare of others.

Cruickshank's legacy continues to inspire future generations of women in medicine. Her life and work are celebrated as an example of compassion, resilience, and commitment to public service.

Related pages

• Emily Siedeberg
• University of Otago
• 1918 influenza pandemic