Emily Stowe, Canadian physician and activist (b. 1831)

Emily Howard Stowe (née Jennings, May 1, 1831 – April 30, 1903) stands as a monumental figure in Canadian history, celebrated not only as the nation's first female physician to practice medicine but also as a tireless trailblazer for women's rights and suffrage. Her unwavering determination paved the way for future generations of women in both the medical profession and political life, embodying a spirit of relentless advocacy and profound social change.

A Pioneer in Medicine

Born Emily Jennings in Norwich, Upper Canada, her early life was marked by a commitment to education, a rare privilege for many women in the 19th century. After teaching for several years, Stowe harbored a profound ambition to study medicine, a field then almost exclusively reserved for men. Facing insurmountable barriers to medical education in Canada, she courageously sought opportunities abroad, enrolling in the New York Medical College for Women. She successfully completed her medical degree in 1867, becoming one of the first Canadian women to earn such a qualification.

Upon her return to Canada, Dr. Stowe began practicing medicine in Toronto in 1867, establishing herself as the very first woman to open a medical practice in the country. However, securing an official license proved to be another formidable challenge, as the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario initially refused to recognize her American credentials. It was only after a decade of persistent effort and advocacy that she finally received her Canadian license in 1880, solidifying her place as the second licensed female physician in Canada, following Dr. Jennie Kidd Trout, who received hers in 1875. This distinction highlights the uphill battle she faced, practicing effectively for years before formal recognition.

Architect of Women's Rights and Suffrage

Beyond her groundbreaking medical career, Emily Howard Stowe dedicated much of her life to advancing women's social and political standing. Recognizing that true equality required a voice in governance, she became a pivotal leader in the nascent Canadian women's suffrage movement. In 1876, she helped establish the Toronto Women's Literary Club, which, despite its innocuous name, served as a strategic front for discussing women's rights, including property rights, access to higher education, and crucially, the right to vote. This organization later evolved into the Canadian Women's Suffrage Association, a powerful force in the national push for female enfranchisement. Her passionate advocacy underscored the belief that with the ballot, women could more effectively champion their own causes and shape a more equitable society, extending their influence far beyond the domestic sphere.

Championing Medical Education for Women

Dr. Stowe also understood the systemic barriers that prevented women from pursuing careers in medicine, barriers she herself had intimately experienced. She campaigned vigorously for the establishment of dedicated medical colleges for women in Canada, advocating for institutions that would welcome and train female students without prejudice. Her relentless efforts bore fruit with the founding of the Women's Medical College, Kingston, in 1883, and later the Woman's Medical College, Toronto. Both institutions were instrumental in providing much-needed opportunities for aspiring female physicians, marking vital steps in dismantling the male-dominated structures of the medical profession and ensuring that women had a clear path to contribute their talents to healthcare and scientific advancement.

Enduring Legacy

Emily Howard Stowe's life was a testament to perseverance and principle. She passed away on April 30, 1903, leaving behind an indelible legacy that continues to inspire. Her pioneering spirit in medicine, coupled with her unwavering commitment to women's suffrage and educational equality, laid foundational stones for the social and professional freedoms enjoyed by Canadian women today. She wasn't just a doctor; she was a revolutionary who redefined the possibilities for women in Canada, leaving an imprint on the nation's social fabric that endures to this day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Emily Howard Stowe?

Emily Howard Stowe was a Canadian physician and activist (1831-1903) known for being the first female physician to practice medicine in Canada, the second licensed female physician, and a leading figure in the women's rights and suffrage movements, as well as a proponent for women's medical education.

Why is Emily Howard Stowe known as both the first female physician to practice and the second to be licensed in Canada?

She was the first woman to open a medical practice in Canada in 1867 after earning her degree abroad. However, due to institutional resistance, she did not receive her Canadian medical license until 1880, making her the second woman to be officially licensed, following Dr. Jennie Kidd Trout.

Where did Emily Howard Stowe study medicine?

Due to the lack of opportunities for women in Canada at the time, Emily Howard Stowe pursued her medical education at the New York Medical College for Women, graduating in 1867.

What was Emily Howard Stowe's role in the Canadian women's suffrage movement?

She was a central figure in founding the women's suffrage movement in Canada. In 1876, she helped establish the Toronto Women's Literary Club, which served as a crucial platform for discussing and advocating for women's rights, including the right to vote, eventually evolving into the Canadian Women's Suffrage Association.

How did Emily Howard Stowe contribute to women's medical education in Canada?

Drawing from her own struggles to access medical training, she vigorously campaigned for the establishment of medical colleges specifically for women in Canada. Her efforts were instrumental in the founding of institutions like the Women's Medical College, Kingston, and the Woman's Medical College, Toronto, providing vital opportunities for aspiring female physicians.