Dr Alice McLaren (1860 - 1945) was a Scottish medical doctor, gynecologist, suffragist and advocate for women's health and women's rights. She was the first woman medical practitioner in Glasgow.
Early life and education
McLaren was born in Edinburgh to William Cunningham McLaren and Maria Amelia Wilson, and was the last of six siblings. She graduated with first class honours in Medicine from University of London in 1893. McLaren trained at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
Medical career
The British Medical Journal's obituary of McLaren noted that she was the first woman gynecologist in Glasgow. During her career, she worked in a number of institutions, including: Glasgow Women's Private Hospital, where she was medical superintendent Leith General Hospital, where she was appointed as House Physician in 1891. Glasgow Lock Hospital Glasgow Royal Samaritan Hospital Royal Mental Hospital, where she was consulting Gynecologist Leavesden Asylum Birmingham Union Infirmary Stirling District Asylum
McLaren was a fellow of the Glasgow Obstetrical and Gynecological Society. In 1902, she was involved in founding the Glasgow Women's Private Hospital alongside Elizabeth Margaret Pace.
Later life
During her time in Glasgow, she shared a house with Elizabeth Margaret Pace at 7 Newton Place until the latter's marriage in 1908. McLaren died in Crail in 1945.
Women's rights
McLaren was a founder member of the Glasgow and West of Scotland Association for Women's Suffrage.