Meg Patterson facts for kids

Margaret Angus Patterson (born November 9, 1922, died July 25, 2002) was a Scottish surgeon. She was also a medical missionary who helped people in India and Hong Kong. She is well-known for her important work in medicine.

Early Life and Education

Margaret Angus Ingram was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1922. She was the youngest of five children. Margaret started medical school when she was 21, during World War II. By age 25, she became a qualified surgeon. She was the only woman in her group to achieve this.

Career as a Missionary

Margaret Patterson traveled to India to work as a medical missionary. This meant she used her medical skills to help people while also sharing her Christian faith. In India, she met George Patterson in Kalimpong. They got married in 1953. Both Margaret and George were very committed to their Christian beliefs.

George Patterson was famous for his work with the Dalai Lama. He also reported on the 1959 Tibetan uprising. This was when China took control of Tibet. For her hard work setting up and growing clinics in India, Margaret was given a special award. She received the MBE in 1961.

In 1964, Margaret and her husband moved to Hong Kong. There, she became the main surgeon at Tung Wah Hospital. They lived and worked in Hong Kong until 1973.

Later Life and Legacy

In 1999, Margaret Patterson had a serious stroke. This happened just one week after she opened a new clinic in Tijuana. In 2001, she and her husband returned to Scotland. Margaret passed away on July 25, 2002. She was survived by her husband, a daughter, two sons, and five grandchildren. Her work as a surgeon and missionary helped many people.

Awards and Honours

• MBE, 1961