Joan Rodgers

Joan Rodgers has been an integral part of advancing women’s health in Edinburgh and Scotland since the 1980s. Her efforts are still felt in Scotland through the regular cervical cancer screening services available today.

Joan was a GP at the Stockbridge Health Centre (1983-2009) and brought everyday women’s health practice to the forefront of general practice. In the 1980s, she was a leader in the cervical smear campaign. Across these endeavours, she co-wrote women’s health information pamphlets, such as Peely Wally, and contributed to the cervical smear campaign information pamphlets and media broadcasts. 

Joan participated in the GP teaching tutorials for medical students, and worked alongside other Edinburgh Medical School staff, students, and advocates, like Maureen Roberts, Una Maclean, Amanda Amos and Penny Richardson. This cohort of women made significant changes in access to everyday women’s health services in Edinburgh and affected major policy and practice for cervical cancer screening in Scotland.