Violet Plummer facts for kids

Violet May Plummer (born July 8, 1873 – died June 17, 1962) was an important medical doctor in South Australia. She was one of the first women to graduate in medicine from the University of Adelaide. In 1900, she became the very first female general practitioner (GP) to work in Adelaide.

Early Life and School

Violet May Plummer was born in Camperdown, New South Wales, on July 8, 1873. Her parents were Isaac Arthur Plummer, a schoolmaster, and Eleanor Alice Plummer.

In 1878, her family moved to Wallaroo, South Australia. Her father worked as a headmaster there. They moved several more times within South Australia, including to Gawler in 1880 and Norwood in 1889. Later, her father became an Inspector of Schools. Violet had a sister, Muriel Effie Plummer, who was a nurse, and a younger brother, Dr. Rex Garnet Plummer, who also became a doctor.

Studying Medicine

The University of Adelaide was the first university in Australia to allow women to study academic courses, starting in 1881. Violet began her studies at the Advanced School for Girls in 1887 after winning a special scholarship. She finished high school in 1890.

She earned her Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree from the University of Adelaide in 1893. In the same year, she started her medical studies. However, Violet and two other female medical students, Gertrude Mead and Christina L. Goode, faced difficulties during their studies. They had to move to Melbourne in 1897 to complete their medical degrees. This was because the Adelaide Hospital, where they would have done their practical training, was a very difficult place to work at the time.

While studying, Violet became good friends with Phoebe Chapple. Violet encouraged Phoebe to study medicine, and they remained close friends and professional colleagues throughout their lives.

Medical Career

In 1898, after finishing her studies, Violet May Plummer became a resident surgeon at the Melbourne Hospital. The next year, in 1899, she worked as a resident surgeon in the infirmary department of the Woman's Hospital in Melbourne.

Helping Future Students

In the 1930s, Violet Plummer joined a group of women graduates, including Dr. Helen Mayo, to solve a big problem. There was no good place for female students from the countryside or other states to live while studying at the University of Adelaide.

Violet approached Sidney Wilcox, a wool broker, for help. He generously donated money and his house to the university. This allowed a special residential college for women to be built. This college, called St. Ann's College, officially opened in 1947 with sixteen students. It helped many young women attend university.

Personal Life

Violet May Plummer lived on North Terrace in Adelaide for many years. She never married. She passed away on June 17, 1962.