Name: Ruth Molphy, MBE

Qualifications:
MB BS, Queensland, 1947
DA, England, 1952
FFARCS, 1954

Date of Birth: 9 February 1924
Date of Death: 12 April 2011

Raised in regional Queensland, Ruth Molphy was an early graduate of medicine from the University of Queensland in 1947. The medical school opened in the late 1930s. She had originally enrolled in science, but did so well she transferred into medicine and was one of two women graduates that year.

Molphy obtained the Diploma of Anaesthesia in England in 1952 and went on to work in Durham and Sweden, before returning to Queensland (Qld). Molphy was elected to fellowship of the Faculty of Anaesthetists of the Royal College of Surgeons in 1954.

On her return to Qld in 1953, Molphy was appointed supervisor (later director) of anaesthetics at the Brisbane Hospital, a position she maintained until 1963. She then took on the directorship of the Chermside Chest Hospital (later Prince Charles Hospital) until 1984.

Molphy was awarded Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1987.

SOURCES
Obituary, ANZCA website; Form of Proposal for Nomination to Fellowship, 1955.

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