The Australian Women's Register

Summary

Constance Ellis became the first woman graduate of the University of Melbourne to obtain the degree of Doctor of Medicine (MD) in March 1903. She joined the pathology department of the Queen Victoria Hospital in 1902 and was honorary pathologist from 1908 until 1919. Ellis was the first woman to become a demonstrator and lecturer of Pathology at the University of Melbourne.

A foundation member of the Lyceum Club, Ellis was also a member of the Medical Women’s Society, the Australian Association for Fighting Venereal Diseases, the Victorian branch of the British Medical Association, the National Council of Women of Victoria, the Victorian Baby Health Centre Association and the Emily McPherson College.

Events

• 1970 - 1970

  Educated at Presbyterian Ladies’ College (PLC)

• 1970 - 1970

  Enrolled for the medical course at the University of Melbourne

• 1970 - 1970

  Attended Janet Clarke hostel, Trinity College, as a non-resident

• 1970 - 1970

  At the final examinations Ellis came second in surgery and third in medicine

• 2003 - 2003

  Obtained the degree of Doctor of Medicine (by examination)

• 1902 - 1902

  Joined the honorary staff of the Queen Victoria Hospital

• 1908 - 1919

  Honorary pathologist at the Queen Victoria Hospital

• 1920 - 1942

  Vice-president of the Victorian Baby Health Centres Association

• 1911 - 1911

  President of the Old Collegians’ Association (PLC)

• 1925 - 1925

  Took part in PLC’s jubilee congress, a two-day discussion on social and welfare matters

• 1912 - 1912

  Vice-president and one of the founders of the Lyceum Club (Melb.)

• 1918 - 1919

  President of the Lyceum Club

• 2025 - 2025

  Became a member of the first committee of the Melbourne Business and Professional Women’s Club

• 1911 - 1942

  Council member of the College of Domestic Economy (later Emily McPherson College)

• 1932 - 1934

  Council president of the Emily McPherson College