Royal College unveils portrait of first female Fellow

22 Aug 2024

Jamini Sen – originally from Bengal – broke down barriers by advocating for better working conditions for female doctors in India and improving access to care for female patients. 

In 1912, she became the first female surgeon to be admitted to the College after women were allowed to sit the examinations necessary for fellowship in 1911. The College commissioned artist Grace Payne-Kumar to paint the portrait earlier this year, which was funded by the College’s Tom Honeyman Fund.

Mike McKirdy, President of the Royal College, said: “Jamini Sen was an innovative surgeon with a strong desire to advance medical education. As we approach our 425th anniversary, it is fitting that we commemorate her life and tremendous contribution to medicine and surgery. 

“Around the world, gender inequality runs through the history of medicine, and is reflected in the fact that our College’s first female Fellow was not admitted until 1912 – more than 300 years after our founding. We are proud to tell her story – and celebrate the diverse, innovative and talented global College community of today.” 

Jamini Sen was born in 1871 in Bengal and studied at Calcutta Medical College where she obtained a medical license in 1897. She went on to practice in Nepal from 1899 until 1909, attending as a doctor to the Nepalese Royal family. 

In 1911 she was awarded a scholarship with the Lady Dufferin Foundation. This allowed her to travel widely, where she expanded her skills as surgeon and eventually obtained a further medical license in Dublin. Her desire to learn and advance medical education is reflected in her words: “I have a lot of responsibilities towards my sisters in my country.” 

She became a Fellow of the College in 1912, after passing the fellowship exam as a surgeon. It was only in 1911 that the Royal College began to allow women to sit the examinations necessary to obtain fellowship. However, she was not allowed to hold office in the College and therefore her privileges as a fellow were restricted compared to her male counterparts. 

Artist Grace Payne-Kumar unveiled the portrait at the College last night (Wednesday 21 August). She said: “I am honoured to have been chosen to paint Jamini Sen’s portrait and celebrate her legacy of determination and empowerment. 

“This portrait serves as a visual representation of professional mobility against all odds, and I find that to be incredibly motivating. I hope this will inspire the new generation of medical professionals and creatives to strive for what seems out of reach with courage and tenacity.” 

Ms Payne-Kumar was born in Hong-Kong to a British Asian heritage family, with close links to Dunbartonshire, and studied art at the University of Edinburgh. In 2019, she won a commendation in the Young Fine Artist section of the Scottish Portrait Awards. In addition, her entry in the exhibition was voted the most popular by members of the Scottish Arts Club.  

Training in classical portraiture at the Charles Cecil Studios in Italy, Grace is known for her ability to subvert the style with a modern twist, highlighting the power of her female figures with striking motifs. This is shown in her painting of Lady Dorrian, commissioned by the Faculty of Advocates, to celebrate her achievement in becoming Lord Justice Clerk. The painting has been on display in Parliament Hall on the Royal Mile since 2022.  

Claire McDade, the Royal College’s Heritage Lead, said “It is really important that we honour Dr Jamini Sen as the first female Fellow of the College. This portrait is an acknowledgement of the women who have shaped medicine, and that women and by extension the South Asian community, were and continue to be an integral part of our College story.    

“It is a message to reflect that women are valued, we existed in the past and we do exist today, and that we will continue to champion this in future. We are thankful to Grace for bringing Jamini Sen to life through this beautiful work. The portrait will be a wonderful new presence in our College Hall for Fellows, Members, guests and the public to see and learn about Jamini’s incredible life and career.