Laura Sandeman

Laura Stewart Sandeman (1862 – 22 February 1929) was a Scottish doctor and political activist.

Born in Bradshaw, Lancashire, Sandeman was the eldest daughter of Colonel Frank Stewart Sandeman. She grew up in Stanley, Perthshire, where her father owned a mill. One of her brothers was Nairne Stewart Sandeman, who later became a Member of Parliament.

Sandeman studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh, receiving the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery award in 1900, and became a doctor of medicine in 1903. She began working as a general practitioner in Aberdeen, focusing on the city's working class, and developed a keen interest in social work.

In 1915, she was the first Chief Medical Officer of the Scottish Women's Hospitals for Foreign Service in Troyes, alongside Louise McIlroy. She was next appointed to the Royal Army Medical Corps, with the title of Controller of Medical Services (Overseas). However, she refused to take up the post on the grounds that her pay would be 60% less than she could earn as a GP, and was less than a man with the same rank. She finally took up the position in 1917, and was given responsibility for operations in France. She was known for avoiding wearing uniform, instead working in a skirt, shirt and tie.

After the war, Sandeman returned to Scotland, where for some years she worked at the Dundee workhouse. She became active in the Unionist Party, standing for the party in Aberdeen North at the 1924 UK general election, and again at a 1928 by-election, taking second place to Labour Party candidates on both occasions.

Sandeman also served on the Scottish Board of Health Consultative Council.