2016-03-28 Mon

One of Canada's most respected doctors, Dr. Hilliard could soon be depicted on official banknotes as per public demand. The government is seeking nominations for candidates who could appear on paper money and Dr. Hilliard seems to be a popular choice.

Dr. Hilliard contributed to the total health of women by serving in the field of gynaecology, obstetrics as well as prenatal and postnatal care of the mother. In 1948, she lobbied and raised funds for the Cancer Detection Clinic after developing a simple method for detecting early symptoms of cancer, particularly of the cervix, the first of its kind in Canada. In 1955-56 she served as president of the Federation of Medical Women in Canada and later went on to become the president of the International Medical Women's Association. A book named “A Woman Doctor Looks at Love and Life” was published in 1957 featuring her articles that she had written for Chatelaine. Dr. Hilliard retired as chief of obstetrics at Women's College Hospital in Toronto at the age of 55. One year after that, on 15th July 1958 she died due to a cancerous growth. Her graveyard overlooks the St. Lawrence River east to Mariatown and simply states "Beloved Physician."

Earlier this month, on women’s day, it was officially announced that the new Canadian note depicting a historically influential woman will be issued late in 2018.