Eleanor Constance (Ella) Greenham

Eleanor Constance Greenham (15 April 1874 – 31 December 1957) was the first woman born in Queensland, Australia, to be a registered physician.

Early life Greenham was born in Ipswich, Queensland on 15 April 1874, the daughter of John Greenham and Eleanor (née Johnstone). Her father was a draper and later ran a general store in Ipswich. Greenham attended Ipswich Central Girls’ and Infants School She was the first Queensland-born woman to graduate in medicine.

Medical career

Greenham was registered to practise medicine in Queensland in 1901, working at the Lady Bowen Hospital, Brisbane. She moved into private practice in Brisbane from 1903, near Dr Lillian Cooper. Despite opposition from male colleagues, Greenham was a successful doctor, mainly treating women.

When the University of Queensland was opened in 1911, Greenham was able to present her qualifications to the Registrar and be awarded a M.B. B.S ad eundum gradum.

Dr Eleanor Constance Greenham, first Queensland born woman to take a degree in medicine, ca. 1915 Greenham was one of the first women in Queensland to own a car. She became a shareholder in the Hupmobile agency, Evers Motor Co. She was also a chairman of Greenhams Pty Ltd.

In 1945, the Queensland Medical Women's Society recognised her contributions to the medical profession of Queensland, with honorary membership. She was similarly recognised by the Queensland branch of the British Medical Association in 1953, of which she was a member for over 50 years.

Later life Greenham retired from practice in 1950. She did not marry, but was a generous aunt to many of her nieces and nephews. She died on 31 December 1957 at New Farm.