May Cohen

Canadian physician and women's health advocate

May Cohen is a renowned Canadian physician, educator, and advocate for women's health and gender equity in medicine. Her work has significantly influenced medical education and policy, particularly in the areas of women's health and the advancement of women in the medical profession.

Early life and education

May Cohen was born in 1931 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. She pursued her undergraduate studies at McGill University, where she developed a keen interest in medicine. Cohen graduated from the University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine in 1955, one of the few women in her class. Her early experiences in a male-dominated field fueled her passion for advocating for gender equity in medicine.

Medical career

Cohen began her medical career as a family physician, practicing in Toronto. Her dedication to patient care and her interest in women's health issues led her to become a prominent figure in the field. In 1977, she joined the faculty at McMaster University's Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, where she played a pivotal role in developing the curriculum and promoting women's health.

May Cohen in 2009

Advocacy and contributions

Cohen's advocacy work is extensive. She was instrumental in the establishment of the Women's Health Office at McMaster University, one of the first of its kind in Canada. Her efforts were crucial in integrating women's health into the medical curriculum, ensuring that future physicians were educated on issues specific to women's health.

Cohen also served as the chair of the Gender Issues Committee of the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC), where she worked to address gender disparities in medical education and practice. Her leadership in this area has been recognized nationally and internationally.

Awards and recognition

Throughout her career, May Cohen has received numerous awards for her contributions to medicine and women's health. She was inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame in 2016, acknowledging her impact on the medical community and her pioneering work in gender equity.

Legacy

May Cohen's legacy is marked by her unwavering commitment to improving women's health and advancing the role of women in medicine. Her work has paved the way for future generations of female physicians and has left an indelible mark on medical education and policy.

Related pages

• Women's health
• Gender equity in medicine
• McMaster University
• Canadian Medical Hall of Fame