Born: 1843 (Brecon, Wales)
Died: 1927
Biography:
Frances Elizabeth Hoggan (née Morgan; 20 December 1843 – 5 February 1927) was a Welsh doctor and a pioneering figure in the field of medicine. She is best known for being the first woman from the UK to receive a doctorate in medicine from any university in Europe. Hoggan’s contributions to the medical profession, her tireless efforts for social reform, and her groundbreaking achievements in a male-dominated field have left an indelible mark on history.
Frances Hoggan was born on 20 December 1843 in Brecon, Wales, to Richard Morgan, a curate. She was raised and educated in Cowbridge, Glamorgan, and later in Windsor. Despite societal expectations and limitations placed on women during that era, Frances had a strong desire to pursue a career in medicine. At an early age, she faced a significant challenge when she gave birth to an illegitimate daughter, whom she raised as her sister.
Undeterred by her circumstances, Hoggan embarked on her medical education by studying in Paris and Düsseldorf. However, her path to success faced another obstacle when the Council of the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries excluded women from its professional exams in 1867. Determined to fulfill her dreams, Hoggan sought her medical education at the University of Zurich, where she completed the rigorous medical course in just three years instead of the expected five. In March 1870, she became the second woman to obtain an MD from Zürich University, with her thesis focusing on progressive muscular atrophy.
Following her graduation, Hoggan continued her education through post-graduate work at prestigious medical schools in Vienna, Prague, and Paris before returning to Britain. She dedicated several years of her career to working alongside Elizabeth Garrett Anderson at the New Hospital for Women in London. Hoggan’s passion for social reform led her to co-found the National Health Society with Elizabeth Blackwell in 1871. This organization aimed to promote health among all classes of the population.
In 1874, Frances Hoggan married Dr. George Hoggan, and she obtained her license to practice medicine in the UK from The King’s and Queen’s College of Physicians of Ireland in February 1877. Together with her husband, she opened the first husband-and-wife general medical practice in the UK. The couple collaborated on several medical research papers over the next decade, showcasing their dedication to advancing medical knowledge and improving patient care.
Frances Hoggan’s impact extended beyond Britain’s borders. In 1882, she advocated for the establishment of a publicly funded women’s medical service for female patients in India. Her advocacy played a pivotal role in laying the foundation for the Dufferin Fund, which supported medical services for women in India[10]. Additionally, in the same year, Hoggan became the medical superintendent at the North London Collegiate School.
Throughout her career, Frances Hoggan was a trailblazer and catalyst for change. Her contributions to medicine, her commitment to social reform, and her relentless pursuit of women’s rights in the field of healthcare have made her an icon in women’s history. Her achievements paved the way for countless women in the medical profession, breaking down barriers and reshaping society’s perception of women’s capabilities. Frances Hoggan’s legacy continues to inspire generations of women to pursue their passions and challenge societal norms.
Awards:
– Wales’ 11th Purple Plaque in Brecon, March 2023.