Born: 1868 (Middlesbrough, England)
Died: 1957
Biography:
Maud Mary Chadburn CBE (9 March 1868 – 24 April 1957) was a pioneering British surgeon and one of the earliest women in the United Kingdom to pursue a career in this field. Alongside fellow surgeon Eleanor Davies-Colley, she co-founded the South London Hospital for Women and Children in 1912. Chadburn’s contributions to medicine and her advocacy for women’s healthcare made her a trailblazer in her field and an inspiration for future generations of female surgeons.
Maud Chadburn was born in Middlesbrough, the daughter of Reverend James Chadburn, a Congregational minister from Blackburn, and Grace Chadburn (née Tetley) from Bradford. In 1881, her family relocated to Kent, as documented in the census of that year. She had two younger sisters and a brother, with whom she shared a close bond. Her sister Grace, known as Mrs. Archibald Christie, was an accomplished embroiderer, and her brother George pursued a career as an artist.
Chadburn received her education at Milton Mount College, an institution for the daughters of Congregational ministers. Although primarily catering to this specific group, the college also admitted other pupils. Following her time at Milton Mount, she went on to study at University College, London, and the London School of Medicine for Women.
During her educational journey, Chadburn obtained several qualifications that would lay the foundation for her future success. She became a Licentiate of the Society of Apothecaries in 1893, a Bachelor of Medicine from the University of London in 1894, a Doctor of Medicine in 1898, and a B.S. in 1899. Her accomplishments were revealed in the pass lists published in The Times newspaper, cementing her reputation as a skilled medical professional.
Chadburn embarked on her career by assuming various positions at different hospitals. She served as an assistant anaesthetist, curator of the museum, and surgical registrar at the Royal Free Hospital. Prior to her tenure there, she held the roles of House Surgeon and clinical assistant at the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Hospital, eventually becoming the surgeon from 1903 to 1922. Furthermore, she dedicated many years to working as a senior obstetrician.
Among her notable appointments, Chadburn was the surgeon to the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Hospital and the Women’s Settlement Hospital in Canning Town. She also held prominent positions in medical organizations, including chairman of the Cancer Research Committee of the Marie Curie Hospital and president of the London Association of the Medical Women’s Federation. Her contributions to these organizations solidified her reputation as a dedicated advocate for women’s healthcare and medical research.
However, Chadburn’s most significant achievement came in 1912 when she co-founded the South London Hospital for Women and Children. Situated on Clapham Common in London, this general hospital specialized in the treatment of women and children. What set it apart was the fact that it exclusively employed women on its staff. This unique approach allowed female medical professionals to thrive, break barriers, and promote gender equality in the medical field.
Throughout her career, Chadburn made substantial contributions to women’s healthcare and surgical medicine. Her accomplishments paved the way for future generations of female surgeons, who were inspired by her achievements and relentless pursuit of gender equality in medicine. Her legacy lives on as a testament to her dedication, perseverance, and groundbreaking contributions to society.