Friday, June 27, 2014

First female medical students, Ceylon.


Ceylon Administrative Reports 1891 A 15.
‘In anticipation of the admission of female medical students 
the Government authorized ‘a separate Dissecting Room 


for females and separate tutors and a reading room’

Ceylon Examiner May 2nd 1892-
“'The medical College opens its summer sessions today. 
Two young ladies Misses Keyt and Davidson – will be admitted 
as students for the first time in the history of the College’.

Veronica Weerasekara & Rachel Christoffelsz, were female 
medicos in later years. Veronica’s reminiscences:-
Dr.Chalmers was the Registrar.
The teachers were – Dr.S.C. Paul, Dr.Frank Grenier, Dr.Sinnathamby,
Dr.Garvin and Dr.H.M. Fernando.

Seniors lined up and whistled when the female medical students passed by.

Pranks – Cutting the afternoon lecture and going by train 
to the ‘Pagoda’ restaurant. (The 'Pagoda' was still in existence in the 1960s)

Occasional boat ride in the harbour during lecture time - 
This was in the time of the old jetty opposite the Grand Oriental Hotel.

Teasing and comments by the male medicos:-

'Veronica sweet as the morning air,
  Do not leave me in despair’.
  ‘Rachel Chris dear charming Miss,
  Your lips to kiss it’l be a bliss.

The above incidents are related in the book "Dr. Alice de Boer and some 
pioneer Burgher women doctors' by Deloraine Brohier

Click on the web-link below to read the original article.



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