The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Lower Canada is created after a petition signed by over 181 signatories is presented to the legislative assembly of the day.
As a terrible smallpox epidemic hits Montreal, the government makes vaccination compulsory. Disgruntled, opponents take to the streets and sack the city.
Barely a third of practising physicians are members of the college. A new law makes it mandatory for all doctors to register or face losing their right to practise.
Dr. Elizabeth Mitchell is the first woman to obtain a licence to practice medicine in Quebec. Two years later, Dr. Octavia-Grace Ritchie is the first woman to graduate from a Quebec medical school — Bishop’s University.
The college sets up a disciplinary board and code of ethics to protect people from a growing number of charlatans and quacks who promote remedies.
The Medical Act of 1909 gives the college the power to create a medical office of examiners, extend medical studies to five years, strengthen the authority of the disciplinary board and cut down on illegal practitioners.
A code of professional conduct and new law affirms the college’s obligation to protect the public and supervise the practise and study of medicine.
The college is a key player in healthcare public-policy issues that are a priority for all Quebecers: a shortage of doctors, treatment wait times, access to specialized care in the regions, and the needs of an aging population.
It becomes mandatory for all doctors to take at least 250 hours of training activities per five-year period.
The Collège des médecins du Québec celebrates 175 years of history.
First step
Vaccination riot
Law and order
A seat at the table
Quacks and charlatans
tougher laws
In the public interest
Public policy
Continuing education
a rich history
The Collège des médecins du Québec celebrates 175 years of history
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