Jeannie Charlotte MacLeod was Aberdeen’s second female graduate in 1902 but tragically died only a week after starting work as a doctor.
Born in Edinburgh in 1874 and schooled in Aberdeen, MacLeod worked as a foreign languages teacher in Thurso for a few years before beginning her medical studies in 1897. She demonstrated outstanding academic success through her school and university careers winning medals for Practice of Medicine (bronze), pathology (silver) and the Lizars gold medal for anatomy. She was the first president of the Women’s Medical Society.
Upon graduating from medical school, MacLeod began working as a House Officer in the Royal Aberdeen Hospital for Sick Children. She excelled in anaesthesia studies at university and it is likely that she was the sole anaesthetist for several emergency operations within days of qualifying. On 2 May 1902 aged just 28 years, she was found in a hospital staffroom, having died by suicide. The circumstances surrounding MacLeod’s death are uncertain. There was an outbreak of pertussis (whooping cough) in the days before, which claimed the lives of many children and an operation may have gone wrong which may have left her feeling guilty. It is also suggested that MacLeod suffered at the hands of her classmates during medical school which may have left her feeling isolated.
MacLeod’s cause of death was recorded as suicide while suffering from ‘temporary mental aberration’. It was thought that only the insane were capable of suicide (the crime of self-murder). The diagnosis of insanity removed the blame from the victim and allowed for a Christian burial. The news of MacLeod’s death was widely reported in the press with mixed reactions. Some newspapers suggested that her death was the result of prolonged suffering while others attribute the sad deed to insanity. The press showed little understanding or empathy for mental health, demonstrating the views of that time.
MacLeod was a pioneer who helped pave the way for future women doctors; her remarkable talent helped set a precedent not only of equality, but for how successful women can be. It is also important to remember that while MacLeod’s achievements contributed to positive changes in society, the pressure she felt must have been considerable. Furthermore, MacLeod’s tragic death shines a light on the ever-present issue of mental illness and suicide in doctors and medical students.
The university archive boasts several of MacLeod’s objects, such as her spectacles and pocket watch, as well as her academic medals. Three annual prizes in her name have been established within the Medical School.
Medal for Midwifery 1901-2 (ABDUA:13778);
Medal for Practice of Medicine (ABDUA:13779);
Medal for Systematic Zoology 1897-8 – (ABDUA:13780);
Medal for Midwifery 1901-2 (ABDUA:13781);
Sampler Jeannie made at the age of 10 (ABDUA:85288);
Pocket watch (ABDUA:85289);
Spectacles (ABDUA:85290);
Syringe (ABDUA:85291);
Silver Inkwell (ABDUA:85292);
Calling card box (ABDUA:85293).
The university has commissioned a portrait by Richard Greaves to honour her memory.
Biography prepared from the nomination made to the University of Aberdeen 525 Alumni project.
