Women's College Hospital was established to offer medically trained women the opportunity to practice medicine at a time when their access to the profession was limited. Throughout our history we have maintained our focus on women's health and on the recognition of women's special health-care needs. This makes us a unique institution in Canada.
Woman's Medical College
The history of Women's College Hospital begins in 1883 with the founding of Woman's Medical College. This came in response to the refusal of medical schools in Toronto to admit women for the study of medicine.
On June 13, 1883, Dr. Emily Stowe – a suffragist and first Canadian woman licensed to practice medicine in Canada – led a group of her supporters to a meeting at the Toronto Women's Suffrage Club. At that meeting, the group tabled a resolution stating "that medical education for women is a recognized necessity, and consequently facilities for such instruction should be provided." The motion was seconded adding "that the establishment of such a school was a public necessity and in the interests of the community."
Less than six months after this meeting, on October 1, 1883, Toronto Mayor A.R. Boswell formally opened Woman's Medical College, at 289 Sumach Street.
Ontario Medical College for Women
In 1895 the College amalgamated with its sister institution in Kingston, Ont., and changed its name to the Ontario Medical College for Women. In order for students to gain practical clinical experience, a clinic called the dispensary was opened in Toronto in 1898. The clinic also filled a social void in the community by enabling female patients to obtain the unique services of women doctors in a field that was dominated by men. Services were provided regardless of the patient's ability to pay and medical advice was always free.
In the landmark year, 1906, the University of Toronto opened its doors to permit women to study medicine, and the Ontario Medical College for Women closed. The dispensary remained open and continued to prosper in the city.
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