Menopause and music: pioneer women's health doctor dies at 94

Dr Margaret Smith, a pioneering figure in women’s health from Perth, passed away on July 14, coinciding with her 94th birthday. Throughout her extensive medical career, she championed the advancement of care for women, overcoming significant gender barriers in the male-dominated field of obstetrics and gynecology.

Born a twin, Smith’s early life was marked by profound personal losses that galvanized her commitment to medicine. The death of a beloved cousin before antibiotics were widely available, followed by her grandmother’s battle with ovarian cancer, directed her focus towards women’s health. Graduating from the University of Adelaide in 1956 as one of only four women in a large class, she encountered institutional gender bias, initially denied a residency in obstetrics. However, solidarity from her peers, notably led by Frank Smith—who would later become her husband—secured her rightful place.

Her rigorous training continued overseas, where she attained a gold medal in postgraduate examinations in Edinburgh in 1963, distinguishing herself as the top student in her specialty. During the 1970s, the couple devoted seven years to medical work in Papua New Guinea's highlands. There, Dr Smith’s role extended well beyond obstetrics; she frequently undertook responsibilities as a general physician and anesthetist under challenging conditions without specialist support. One of her notable achievements during this period was the safe delivery of triplets.

Returning to Perth, Dr Smith became one of the few female obstetricians practicing at the time. She balanced hospital work at King Edward Memorial Hospital, private practice, and academic responsibilities as a lecturer at the University of Western Australia. Her commitment to women’s comprehensive healthcare was transformative, particularly her recognition of menopause as a critical but under-addressed phase of women’s lives.

In 1978, Smith established Western Australia’s inaugural menopause clinic, a pioneering institution that later bore her name. She was instrumental in founding the Australasian Menopause Society, advancing public and professional understanding of midlife women’s health. Through public seminars and educational outreach, she tirelessly advocated for women’s empowerment in managing their health, gaining recognition as an engaging and passionate speaker.

Her contributions earned significant accolades, including being named WA Citizen of the Year in 1994 and receiving the Member of the Order of Australia honor in 1996 for her service to medicine and women’s health. In 2011, she was inducted into the WA Women’s Hall of Fame, cementing her status as a role model and mentor to generations of medical professionals and patients alike.

Beyond her medical career, Dr Smith nurtured a lifelong love for the arts, particularly classical music and poetry. She remained an active choral singer well into her nineties and later in life embraced playing the cello and painting. Her multidimensional interests reflected a vibrant energy and dedication that transcended her professional achievements.

Dr Smith’s legacy is defined by her unwavering commitment to improving women’s health from birth through menopause, her perseverance against entrenched sexism, and her role in shaping a more inclusive and informed medical community. Survived by her twin sister Joan, nieces, nephews, and the countless women whose lives she touched, her impact continues to resonate across Western Australia and beyond.

Details regarding her family life indicate she and her husband chose not to have children. Throughout her career, she authored several books, including a memoir, and contributed over thirty medical papers, further influencing medical understanding and practice in her field. Her story underscores the challenges and triumphs of women breaking new ground in medicine during the mid-20th century, offering inspiration for future generations.