Born: 1874 (Petworth, Sussex)
Biography:
Eleanor Davies-Colley was a pioneering British surgeon and co-founder of the South London Hospital for Women and Children. Born on August 21, 1874, in Petworth, Sussex, Eleanor grew up in a medical family. Her father, John Neville Colley Davies-Colley, was a surgeon at Guy’s Hospital, and her maternal grandfather, Thomas Turner, was the hospital’s treasurer.
From an early age, Eleanor showed a strong interest in helping others and pursued her education at the Baker Street High School for Girls and Queen’s College, London. After completing her studies, she dedicated herself to working with underprivileged children in London’s East End.
Eleanor’s passion for medicine led her to pursue a career in surgery, despite facing significant obstacles in the male-dominated field. She enrolled at the London School of Medicine for Women in 1902 and graduated in 1907 with the MB BS degree. In 1910, she received the MD degree from the University of London, further establishing her expertise in the medical field.
In 1911, Eleanor made history by becoming the first female fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons. This achievement not only recognized her talent and dedication but also paved the way for future generations of women in the field of surgery.
Throughout her career, spanning nearly thirty years, Eleanor made significant contributions to the medical field. She worked closely with Maud Chadburn, another accomplished female surgeon, at the New Hospital for Women, which was later renamed the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Hospital. Eleanor’s surgical skills and knowledge were further honed while serving as a demonstrator in anatomy at the London School of Medicine and as a surgical registrar at the Royal Free Hospital.
Eleanor dedicated her life to improving healthcare for women and children, particularly those who were marginalized and underserved. In 1911, she and Maud Chadburn began fundraising for the establishment of the South London Hospital for Women and Children. Their efforts were supported by feminist and publisher Harriet Weaver, as well as other influential figures. The hospital opened an outpatients’ department in Newington Causeway in 1912 and was later inaugurated by Queen Mary on July 4, 1916. Eleanor worked tirelessly at the hospital from its inception until her death, serving in various roles, including senior surgeon.
In addition to her work at the South London Hospital, Eleanor was also a surgeon at the Marie Curie Cancer Hospital and a senior obstetrician at the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Hospital. Her dedication and expertise made her a respected and influential figure in the medical community.
Eleanor was actively involved in advancing the rights and opportunities for women in medicine. In 1917, she became one of the founding members of the Medical Women’s Federation, an organization that aimed to support and empower female medical practitioners.
Eleanor Davies-Colley’s contributions to the medical field and her commitment to improving healthcare for women and children have left a lasting impact. Her pioneering spirit, resilience, and determination have inspired generations of women to pursue careers in surgery and advocate for gender equality in medicine.
Awards:
– Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons (1911)