By Kathryn Barry (she/her)
Image courtesy of University of London
Dame Louisa Aldrich-Blake (1865-1925) was a revolutionary figure for women in the world of medicine and surgery. Aldrich-Blake was the first woman to be awarded a ‘Master of Surgery’ degree in 1895, following on from her previous graduations in 1892 (Medicine and Obstetrics) and 1894 (Doctor of Medicine).
Aldrich-Blake worked at a number of hospitals around London, most notably the Royal Free Hospital, where she became the first female surgical registrar, anaesthetist and eventually consultant. She revolutionised the treatment of cervical and rectal cancers through the introduction of operative techniques. She documented a procedure for the removal of rectal tumours in a British Medical Journal article in 1903. Her devotion to revolutionising women’s health was further evidenced as in 2924, she held the position of Vice-President of the Section of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, part of the British Medical Association.
After being appointed Dean of the London School of Medicine for Women in 1914, the numbers of women applying and graduating from the School increased significantly, showcasing her passion for medical education and women in medicine.
When World War I (WWI) broke out, Aldrich-Blake worked at military hospitals in France. After writing to all female clinicians registered on the General Medical Register, she recruited a number of volunteers to work overseas with the Royal Army Medical Corps.
Aldrich-Blake was honoured with a Damehood in the 1925 New Year’s Honours List. In December 1925, Aldrich-Blake sadly passed away from cancer. Her legacy lives on, with a statue honouring her in Tavistock Square, London, and a Collection on display in the Archives Centre of the Royal Free Hospital. Because of her involvement, women were granted permission to work as medical staff by the War Office.
References:
Royal College of Physicians. Women in medicine: Wendy Reid and Louisa Aldrich-Blake. [internet]. 2017 [cited 2021 Sept 27]. Available from: https://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/projects/outputs/women-medicine-wendy-reid-and-louisa-aldrich-blake
University of London. Louisa Aldrich-Blake. [internet]. [2021] [cited 2021 Sept 27]. Available from: https://london.ac.uk/louisa-aldrich-blake
Wong S. Louisa Aldrich-Blake: a trailblazer for female surgeons and a war hero. [internet]. 2019 [cited 2021 Sept 27]. Available from: https://www.newscientist.com/article/2213585-louisa-aldrich-blake-a-trailblazer-for-female-surgeons-and-a-war-hero/#ixzz77frdcaZ8