Helen Mayo

Helen Mayo (1 October 1878 – 13 November 1967) was an Australian medical doctor and medical educator. She was a pioneer in the field of pediatrics and public health, particularly in the area of infant nutrition. Mayo was also a social activist, advocating for the rights of women and children.

Early Life and Education

Helen Mayo was born in Adelaide, South Australia, on 1 October 1878. She was the eldest of seven children. Her father, George Gibbes Mayo, was a respected physician and her mother, Henrietta Mary Donaldson, was a schoolteacher. Mayo was educated at the Advanced School for Girls in Adelaide, where she excelled acadically.

In 1896, Mayo enrolled in the University of Adelaide to study medicine. She graduated in 1902, becoming one of the first women to graduate with a medical degree in Australia.

Career

After graduating, Mayo worked at the Adelaide Children's Hospital and the Queen Victoria Maternity Hospital. She quickly became concerned about the high rates of infant mortality in South Australia, particularly among the poor. In response, she established the School for Mothers in 1909, where she provided advice on infant care and nutrition.

In 1914, Mayo co-founded the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) and was appointed as the first woman member of the University of Adelaide's council. She also served as the vice-president of the Australian Medical Association (AMA).

Legacy

Mayo's work in pediatrics and public health had a significant impact on reducing infant mortality rates in South Australia. Her advocacy for women's rights also paved the way for future generations of female doctors in Australia.

See Also

• History of Medicine in Australia
• Women in Medicine

References

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