Marion Gilchrist (doctor) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Marion Gilchrist
Marion Gilchrist in 1894
Born	(1864-02-05)5 February 1864 Bothwell, Scotland
Died	7 September 1952(1952-09-07) (aged 88) Glasgow, Scotland
Nationality	Scottish
Education	Hamilton Academy Queen Margaret College, University of Glasgow
Occupation	medical doctor
Known for	first female graduate of the University of Glasgow first woman to graduate with an MB and CH from a Scottish university Marion Gilchrist Prize
Medical career
Sub-specialties	general practice ophthalmology

Marion Gilchrist (born February 5, 1864 – died September 7, 1952) was an amazing Scottish doctor. She was the very first woman to graduate from the University of Glasgow. She was also one of the first two women to become a qualified doctor from any university in Scotland. Marion was also a strong supporter of the Women's suffrage movement, which fought for women's right to vote. Many things have been named after her to remember her important work.

Early Life and Education

Marion Gilchrist was born on February 5, 1864. Her family lived on a farm called Bothwell Park in Bothwell, Scotland. She had four older brothers and sisters.

When Marion was about seven, she started her education at the local church. Her father and one brother thought it was not important for her to study academic subjects. But her brother John encouraged her to learn.

School and College Years

Marion went to Bothwell Primary School. Later, she attended Hamilton Academy. In 1887, she joined Queen Margaret College, which was part of the University of Glasgow. She studied arts there.

In 1890, Marion earned a special arts degree called LLA (Lady Literate in Arts). This was given by the University of St Andrews. In the same year, she started studying medicine at the new Queen Margaret College Medical School.

Making History in Medicine

In July 1894, Marion Gilchrist and Alice Robson made history. They became the first two women to graduate from the University of Glasgow. They were also the first women to qualify as doctors from any Scottish university. They earned their medical degrees, MB and CM.

While at university, Marion was very active. She was Vice-President of the Queen Margaret College Student Union. She was also Vice-President of the Literary and Debating Society. On January 22, 1894, she became the first President of the Women Students' Representative Council.

Medical Career

After becoming a doctor, Marion Gilchrist started working in general practice. This means she was a family doctor. In 1903, she opened her own medical practice in Glasgow. She worked from this address for the rest of her life. Her niece, Margaret Menzies Campbell, also worked with her.

Specializing in Eye Care

Marion became a specialist in ophthalmology, which is the study and treatment of eye diseases. From 1914 to 1930, she worked as an Assistant Surgeon for Diseases of the Eye. This was at the Glasgow Victoria Infirmary.

In 1927, she also became an eye surgeon at Redlands Hospital for Women in Glasgow. Marion also volunteered her time to help children. From 1903 to 1911, she was a doctor at Queen Margaret College Settlement's Invalid Children's School.

Fighting for Women's Rights

Marion Gilchrist was a strong supporter of women's rights. She was one of the first members of the Glasgow and West of Scotland Association for Women's Suffrage. This group worked to get women the right to vote.

In 1907, she left this group to join other, more active groups. These included the Women's Social and Political Union and the Women's Freedom League. These groups were part of the Women's suffrage movement.

Leadership Roles

Marion also held important positions in medical organizations. In 1922, she was elected President of the Glasgow and West Scotland Association of the Medical Women's Federation. She also became a leading member of the British Medical Association. She was the first woman to be chairman of its Glasgow division.

Later Life and Legacy

Marion Gilchrist never married. She passed away at her home on September 7, 1952.

Honours and Recognition

Marion Gilchrist's achievements have been honoured in many ways. Her hometown named a public garden and a car park after her. The University of Glasgow named its Postgraduate Club after her.

In 1932, a gift of £1,500 was used to create a special bed at Redlands Women’s Hospital. This bed was for treating eye diseases and was named in her honour.

The Gilchrist Window was created in 1936. It is in the Parish Church in Bothwell, her birthplace. Marion Gilchrist paid for this window to remember her family.

The Marion Gilchrist Prize

The Marion Gilchrist Prize was created in 1952. This was from money Marion left in her will. The University of Glasgow gives this award every year. It goes to "the most distinguished woman graduate in Medicine of the year."

In 2012, on the 60th anniversary of her death, Bothwell Library held an exhibition. This was to celebrate her important achievements.