The Arbutus Room - The Physician

Dr Helmcken began his medical training apprenticed to Dr. Graves.  He registered at Guy’s Hospital London in 1844. Guy’s Hospital at that time was no ordinary hospital, but rather one of the top three British and Scottish teaching hospitals.  During his studies he won a number of awards and in 1848 was admitted as a member of the Royal College of Surgeons.  He was instrumental in shaping British Columbia’s medical profession and in improving medical practices in Victoria.  Among his accomplishments was his support for the Medical Ordinance Act of 1867 which created a registrar for registering physicians.  He worked to found and acted as the first president of the British Columbia Medical Society in1885.  The society provided the framework for the 1886 Medical Act which established what is now the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC, the body that registers practioners, sets exams and prosecutes offenders.  Following his arrival in Victoria he was appointed surgeon to the Victoria jail, a position he held until 1910.  He was president of the Royal Hospital for many years and laid the cornerstone for St Joseph’s Hospital 1875.  Loved by his patients, Dr Helmcken was leader in bringing modern medicine to Victoria.

Dr Helmcken at his desk, 1854
BC Archives, A-01351