Mary Hearn facts for kids

Mary Hearn (1891–1969) was a very important doctor from Cork, Ireland. She specialized in women's health, a field called gynaecology. Mary Hearn made history by becoming the first woman to be a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland. This was a huge achievement for doctors in Ireland at the time.

Early Life and Schooling

Mary Hearn was born on February 25, 1891, in Cork, Ireland. Her father, William Edward Ashley Cummins, was a Professor of Medicine at University College Cork (UCC). Mary grew up in a big family with five sisters and six brothers. Many of her family members were also very talented!

• Her sister, Geraldine Cummins, became a famous writer.
• Another sister, Jane Cummins, was a doctor and an officer in the WRAF during World War II.
• Her sister, Iris Cummins, became an engineer.
• Two of her brothers also became doctors. One of them, N. Marshall Cummins, helped start the first blood transfusion service in Cork.

Becoming a Doctor

Mary started studying medicine at UCC. However, she left in 1911 to get married. With her husband's encouragement, she returned to UCC to finish her studies. She graduated in 1919 with top honors. What's even more amazing is that she had her son, Robert, who even attended her graduation ceremony!

Mary continued her studies and earned her MD degree in 1922. She was awarded first place and a special honor for her excellent work.

Mary Hearn's Medical Career

After finishing her studies, Mary Hearn worked as a surgeon and physician at the Cork North Infirmary. In 1922, she became an honorary anaesthetist at the Victoria Hospital Cork. The next year, she joined the staff as an assistant medical officer and later became the main medical officer.

Mary also had her own private practice where she helped women with their health. She also worked with a charity called Lapp's Charity in Cork.

In 1922, Mary became a member of the RCPI (Royal College of Physicians of Ireland). Then, on October 18, 1924, she made history by becoming the first woman to be a fellow of the college. This meant she was recognized as one of the most skilled and knowledgeable doctors in her field. Mary kept her medical knowledge up-to-date by taking special courses in London every year until 1968.

There's an interesting story about her membership fee. The letter returning her fee (because she passed the exam!) was damaged when it traveled through the GPO (General Post Office) during the Irish Civil War. Even though it was damaged, it still reached her, stamped with the note "Salved from GPO Dublin."

Mary was very dedicated to the Victoria Hospital. She joined the hospital board in 1938 and was actively involved in running the hospital. She was very good at getting donations and organizing events to raise money for the hospital and her community. Her colleagues admired her for this. Her most popular event was an annual Christmas tea and entertainment for outpatients.

She also worked as a doctor for the Rochelle School and Midleton College in Cork. She was also an honorary visiting physician for Lapp's Charity.

Life Outside Medicine

Besides her busy medical career, Mary Hearn was also a talented athlete. She loved playing hockey and even represented Ireland in the sport from 1908 to 1912!

Her Family Life

Mary Hearn was married to Robert Thomas Hearn, who was a bishop in the Church of Ireland. They got married in September 1911. Robert passed away in 1952.

Mary and Robert had two children:

• Their son, Robert, who attended her graduation, also became a doctor. He worked as a general practitioner (GP) in Rugby, England.
• Their daughter, Ellice Eadie, studied law and became a barrister in London. She was recognized for her work as a parliamentary draughtsman.

Later Years and Legacy

Mary Hearn lived on St Patrick's Hill in the center of Cork. She passed away on June 3, 1969, after a short illness, at the Victoria Hospital.

After her death, a special fund was created in her honor. This money was used to create a library for nurses. Also, a study and research room at the RCPI in Kildare Street is named the Hearn Room, in her memory. This shows how much she was respected and remembered for her important contributions to medicine.