Biography of Merbai Ardesir Vakil

Merbai Ardesir Vakil was the first female Indian graduate of the University of Glasgow, graduating MB CM in 1897.

Born in Bombay 25th May 1868, Vakil recieved her early education at the Wilson High School, Khetwadi, Bombay. She graduated in 1888 and studied at the Grant Medical college before leaving to study in the UK. Vakil attended the London School of Medicine for Women before coming to Glasgow’s Queen Margaret College Medical School in 1893, just as the women’s college was merging with the University. After graduation she spent two years working as a postgraduate in Glasgow, before returning to India to work in hospitals such as the Cama Hospital for Women and Children in Bombay and the Cumoo Jaffer Suleman Dispensary in Kapadoia. Vakil worked with Dr. K. N. Bahadurjee in the Plague Hospital in Byculla, Bombay, established during the first years of the outbreak.

Dr Vakil left for Aden in 1927, (until 1937, Aden was ruled as part of British India) where she worked in Government service and private practice until 1941.

Summary

Merbai Ardesir Vakil
Born 23 May 1870.
Died 1941.
University Link: Alumnus, Graduate
GU Degree: MB CM, 1897; Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences,
Occupation categories: physicians
Additional Information: R3/1/1 (vol 2)
Record last updated: 4th Apr 2017

University Connections

University Roles

• Alumnus
• Graduate [View Merbai Ardesir Vakil's record in the list of graduates]

Images

Merbai Ardesir Vakil, Graduation 1897