Dr. Margaret MacSteven Hutton

The Alberta Medical Association was able to establish the Alberta Medical Foundation through a bequest from Dr. Margaret MacSteven Hutton (1910-1983), a long-time AMA member and the first female obstetrician and gynecologist in Edmonton.

Academic training

First trained as a teacher, Dr. Hutton later earned an MD (1942) from the University of Alberta.

Following an internship at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, BC, she did post-graduate work in obstetrics and gynecology (O&G) at the U of A Hospital with Dr. J. Ross Vant.

Dr. Hutton successfully completed the RCPSC examinations in O&G and received her fellowship in 1950. In 1953 she became a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and in 1957 a fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Professional life

Dr. Hutton’s tenure in the faculty of the U of A and as a member of the medical staff of the U of A Hospital began in 1951 when she joined Drs. Vant and Horner in practice. Dr. Hutton was appointed an assistant clinical professor in the Department of O&G, eventually rising to the rank of associate clinical professor.

She was the consultant in gynecology for the U of A Student Health Services for many years and provided regular clinics in the old infirmary. Dr. Hutton taught obstetrics in the U of A Nursing Program. She also held courtesy and consultative appointments in three other Edmonton hospitals: the Royal Alexandra, Misericordia and Edmonton General.

Consultancy and volunteer work

In addition to her academic, administrative and clinical work, Dr. Hutton was on the AMA Committee on Perinatal Mortality for five years (the last three as chair) and then the Nutrition Committee during the 1960s.

She consulted on O&G to the Juvenile Offenders and Probation Branch of the Alberta Department of the Provincial Attorney General. After her move to BC, she consulted with the Perinatal Program of that province. Dr. Hutton also became well known to Calgary and Edmonton musical audiences, participating in local performances of Gilbert and Sullivan comic operas such as Iolanthe, Pirates of Penzance, the Gondoliers and the Yeoman of the Guard.

Dr. Hutton's generous contribution to the AMF

Dr. Margaret MacSteven Hutton passed away in Victoria in 1983. The AMA was fortunate to benefit from a large bequest from her estate — $313,280. The AMA Board of Directors decided to give the Hutton bequest to the AMF for medical historical and archival purposes.

To recognize Dr. Hutton’s contributions as a teacher, performing artist, physician, colleague and benefactress, the AMF founded the Margaret Hutton Lectures series, which is now part of the AMA’s annual general meetings. 

Margaret Hutton History of Medicine and Health Care Student Research Scholarship

The objective of the Margaret Hutton History of Medicine and Health Care Student Research Scholarship is to encourage original research by undergraduate medical trainees, post-graduate medical trainees, undergraduate and graduate students in the history of medicine and health care.

The $2,000 scholarships are open to any applicant registered in undergraduate or graduate medical education programs in Alberta, as well as graduate students in the history of medicine and health care registered in programs in Alberta. Applicants will be undertaking a clearly defined project in the history of medicine and health care under the direction of a faculty member at a post secondary institution in Alberta.

Learn more about the scholarship and application process

Alberta Medical Association Mission: Advocate for and support Alberta physicians. Strengthen their leadership in the provision of sustainable quality care.