Hensall wants medical pioneer on Canadian currency

Hensall residents are making a push to have the face of a female surgeon who pushed the boundaries herself, on our Canadian money.

“The more I read up on her the more I was impressed by her. I mean she was a trailblazer,” says Hensall resident Jim Smith.

The federal government has asked Canadians to nominate women they feel should be immortalized on Canadian currency.

Jennie Smillie was born on a farm on the edge of Hensall more than 100 years ago. At that time the options for women were limited, but Smillie had a dream. She wanted to be a doctor, but not just a general practitioner, a surgeon, which was unheard of at the time.

Undeterred Smillie saved her $300 a year teaching salary to enroll in medical school. She was accepted, but could not realize her surgical dreams in Canada.

Canadian hospitals wouldn't let her perform surgeries, only men could. So,she did surgeries in unconventional settings.

“My favourite story is about her doing a surgery out here at the farm on a kitchen table. Everything was sterilized and safe, but she had an instinct to help people and push boundaries,” Kathy Mannen says.

Smillie would go on to help found the Women's College Hospital in Toronto, where she served as chief of gynecology from 1912-1942.

By this summer, there will be a daily reminder of Smillie’s legacy at a Hensall park that will soon bear her name.