Charlotte Whitehead Ross

Fay Lando was Projects Officer at the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food in Toronto.

Charlotte Ross successfully combined both modern and traditional lifestyles. She pursued her chosen career of medicine and, at the same time, followed her inclination to be a wife and mother. She did this in the last century.

After completing medical studies in Philadelphia, Ross began her practice in about 1875 in Whitemouth, a frontier community about 75 miles northeast of Winnipeg. She was the only medical doctor between Winnipeg and Rat Portage (Kenora), Ontario. There are descriptions of the medical techniques Dr. Ross used and of frontier life. They are so vivid that Ross fairly bounces to life off the page. The authors have placed their subject in historical context, discussing the barriers faced by women wanting to become doctors. They point out that Ross was fortunate in having a husband who supported and encouraged her career. This is an excellent addition to a series intended to acquaint students and the public with individuals who contributed to the history and development of Manitoba. This biography should provide inspiration for young women considering career/marriage options. Appropriate photographs accompany the text. Although the dates on a photograph of Dr. Ross’s husband’s gravestone contradict by two years his marriage age as noted in the text, this is a minor flaw in an otherwise well-written and interesting book.