Kate Fraser (physician)

Kate Fraser (10 August 1887 – 20 March 1957) was the first female doctor to graduate from Glasgow University and a pioneer of mental healthcare.

Early life and education

Fraser was born in Paisley in 1887, where she lived with her father, mother and four sisters.^[1] She was educated at Miss Boag's School for Young Ladies, Paisley Grammar School, Swanley Horticultural College and Queen Margaret College, where she was enrolled in the Art faculty (and later the Science faculty) at the age of 16. Fraser graduated with as a Bachelor of Science in 1900 and as a Bachelor of Medicine in 1903.

Career

Following graduation, Fraser took a job as Assistant Physician at the Bridge of Weir Sanitorium, later becoming a junior resident at The Crichton Royal Lunatic Asylum, a psychiatric hospital that encouraged patients to participate in activities.^[2] As School Medical Officer in Govan, Fraser introduced intelligence tests in schools.

In 1908, Fraser took a Diploma in Public Health, graduating as a Doctor of Medicine in 1913 with a thesis entitled: 'Feeble-minded Children. An inquiry into mental deficiency in school children with special reference to syphilis as a causative factor as determined by the Wassermann reaction.'^[3]

Fraser became the first female Deputy Commissioner for the General Board of Control for Scotland in 1914, and Commissioner in 1935. In this role, she petitioned for those with mental health conditions to be included in the Disabled Person's Employment Act (1958). Fraser retired from this position in 1945 and was awarded with a CBE.

During World War II, Fraser put in place a rehabilitation scheme for servicemen who had been discharged on medical grounds.^[4]

In 1947, Fraser became Chair of the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) and Chairman of the Scottish Division of the Royal Medico-Psychological Association.

She died in Paisley on 20 March 1957.^[5]

References