Born: 1841 (Wooden Mills, Kelso, Scotland)
Died: 1921 (Los Angeles, California)
Biography:
Jennie Kidd Trout, born on April 21, 1841, in Wooden Mills, Kelso, Scotland, was a pioneer in the field of medicine and a prominent figure in women’s history. In 1847, when Jennie was only six years old, her parents immigrated to Canada and settled near Stratford, Ontario. Growing up, Jennie pursued a career in teaching and worked as a teacher after completing her education. In 1865, she married Edward Trout and moved to Toronto, where her husband ran a newspaper.
Motivated by her own chronic illnesses and a desire to help others, Jennie made the groundbreaking decision to embark on a medical career. In 1871, she passed her matriculation exam and enrolled in medicine at the University of Toronto. Jennie, along with Emily Jennings Stowe, became the first women admitted to the Toronto School of Medicine through a special arrangement. However, Stowe chose not to sit her exams in protest of the school’s unfair treatment of the female students.
Undeterred, Jennie transferred to the Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania, where she pursued her studies diligently. On March 11, 1875, Jennie Kidd Trout made history by becoming the first woman in Canada to earn her M.D. and obtain a medical license. Her achievement was a significant milestone for women, breaking barriers in the male-dominated field of medicine.
Following her graduation, Trout opened the Therapeutic and Electrical Institute in Toronto, where she specialized in innovative treatments for women using galvanic baths and electricity. She also ran a free dispensary for the underprivileged at the same location for six years. The success of her institute led to the opening of branches in Brantford and Hamilton, Ontario, further expanding access to medical care for women.
Due to her deteriorating health, Jennie retired from active practice in 1882 and moved to Palma Sola, Florida. Despite her retirement, she remained deeply committed to advancing medical education for women. Jennie played a vital role in the establishment of a medical school for women at Queen’s University in Kingston, solidifying her lasting impact on the medical community.
Throughout her life, Jennie Kidd Trout battled personal struggles, including ongoing health issues, yet she persevered in her pursuit of knowledge and service to others. She remains an inspiration for women aspiring to excel in the field of medicine, breaking societal expectations and paving the way for future generations of female physicians.
Jennie Kidd Trout passed away in Los Angeles, California, in 1921, leaving behind a remarkable legacy. In recognition of her groundbreaking achievements, Canada Post honored her in 1991 by issuing a postage stamp in her honor, commemorating her status as the first licensed female physician in Canada. Furthermore, on April 21, 2018, Google paid tribute to her on her 177th birthday with a Google Doodle, further highlighting her significant contributions to women’s history and the field of medicine.