It’s official! Dr. Jennie Trout has been accepted as a laureate of the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame (CMHF). In 2025, she will be one of 6 physicians inducted into the CMHF as a way to honour the legacy and contributions made to the health of Canadians. 

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Dr. Jennie Trout was a leader in the advancement of gender equity in medicine. As the first

female physician licensed to practice medicine in Canada, she has inspired countless

generations of Canadian women to enter the medical field. Through her direct provision of

care and by facilitating the future practices of female physicians, Dr. Trout has had an

immeasurable impact on Canadian health. Her legacy reflects the tenets of inclusion,

diversity, and innovation that are synonymous with the mission of the Canadian Medical Hall

of Fame.

 

In 1871, despite hostility from faculty and students, Dr. Trout completed a one year medical school qualifying course at the Toronto School of Medicine. She was not, however,  permitted to attend medical school in Canada. She traveled to the United States to complete her training but returned to Canada to practice. On March 11, 1875, with a commitment to professional standardization and accountability, Dr. Trout became the first female to receive her Canadian medical license. Each year, on March 11, the CWIM Organization commemorates this date with Canadian Women Physicians Day. 

 

Throughout her career, Dr. Trout made many other notable contributions. As part of her

practice, she opened a free medical dispensary. Upon retirement, she helped to fund the

Kingston Women’s Medical College. As an immigrant from Scotland, her contributions also

illustrate the importance of diversity and inclusion within Canadian culture.

 

In early 2024, CWIM was made aware of Dr. Trout’s absence from the prestigious Canadian Medical Hall of Fame. As representatives and advocates for Canadian women physicians, the CWIM organization felt the charge to nominate Dr. Trout for this prestigious recognition. Overseen by the Advocacy Committee of CWIM’s Leadership Council, a rigorous nomination package was submitted in June 2024. Supported by letters from Dr. Kathleen Ross (former CMA president) and Senator Gigi Osler, the nomination identified and supported  Dr. Trout as being deserving of the utmost, formal recognition. “We are thrilled to celebrate Dr. Jennie Trout’s nomination to the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame, a testament to her pioneering spirit and the legacy she has created for Canadian women in medicine,” says CWIM President Dr. Tina Whitty. 

 

Dr. Trout has enabled Canadian women to achieve equal recognition in medicine. Female

physicians across the country are indebted with gratitude to her as a pioneer of gender

equity. She is undoubtedly worthy of the utmost recognition as an inductee into the Canadian

Medical Hall of Fame and we are so excited to have played a role in making this a reality!​​

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Click here to read CWIMs nomination letter.

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Click here to read Dr. Jennie Trout's Biography.

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To learn more about the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame, please visit https://www.cdnmedhall.ca