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Thomas Francis (English physician) facts for kids

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Thomas Francis was an important English doctor and academic who lived a long time ago. He was the head of a famous college at Oxford University and also led the main group for doctors in London, called the London College of Physicians. He even worked as a doctor for Queen Elizabeth I!

Early Life and Education

Thomas Francis was born in Chester, England. He went to Christ Church College at Oxford University. He earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), in 1540. A few years later, in 1544, he completed his Master of Arts (M.A.) degree.

Becoming a Doctor

Francis decided to become a doctor. He started working as an assistant to John Warner, who was the first main professor of medicine at Oxford. This was around 1551. He earned his medical degrees, a Bachelor of Medicine (M.B.) in 1555 and then a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) later that same year.

Career at Oxford

In 1555, Thomas Francis took over from John Warner as the main professor of medicine at Oxford University. This was a very important job. He held this position until 1561.

Leading a College

After leaving his professorship, Francis became the Provost of The Queen's College in Oxford. A Provost is like the head or leader of a college. However, not everyone was happy with his appointment, and there were some disagreements when he started. He left this role in 1563.

Work as a Physician

Thomas Francis was also a respected member of the London College of Physicians. This college was, and still is, a very important organization for doctors in England. He became a fellow of the college in 1560.

Roles at the College

He held several important positions at the College of Physicians:

  • He was a censor from 1561 to 1564. A censor's job was to check on other doctors and make sure they were practicing medicine correctly.
  • He became an elect in 1564. This meant he was chosen as someone who could become President of the college.
  • He served as the President of the college in 1568. This was the highest position a doctor could hold in the organization.
  • In 1571, he was a consiliarius, which means he was an advisor to the college.

Treating Important People

In 1569, Francis was sent to treat the Earl of Shrewsbury, a very important nobleman. The Earl even asked Francis to give health advice to Mary, Queen of Scots, who was being held by the Earl at the time.

Physician to the Queen

Thomas Francis was also a physician in ordinary to Queen Elizabeth I. This meant he was one of the Queen's personal doctors, always available to treat her.

Upholding Medical Rules

While he was President of the College of Physicians, Francis had to deal with a doctor named Eliseus Bomelius. Bomelius was practicing medicine without the college's permission. Francis took action to make sure that doctors followed the rules and had the proper licenses to treat people.

Later Life and Death

Thomas Francis lived in London, in an area called Silver Street. He passed away in 1574.

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