Victoria Chung

The inspiring true story of Victoria Chung (1897–1966), who pursued her dreams against all odds to become the first female Chinese-Canadian doctor.

Named for the city in which she was born, Victoria, British Columbia, Victoria Chung was the daughter of Chinese immigrants. Despite racist laws that initially prevented her from attending public school, and sexist attitudes that prevented many women from pursuing careers in the sciences, Victoria had an ambitious dream—to become a doctor and help heal people around the world. Her unrelenting pursuit of education led her to become the first Asian-Canadian to study medicine at her university, where she faced further racism and sexism from some students and professors, and eventually became the first woman resident in her hospital. 

But Victoria was not done breaking down barriers. She travelled to China, the birthplace of her parents, and worked to give women and children the same medical care as men. She became the head doctor of her hospital and introduced modern technologies and practices to ensure that her patients received the best care possible. Today, more than half a century after her death, her accomplishments, ambition, and compassion are remembered in both Canada and China.

Haley Healey is a high school counsellor, registered clinical counsellor, and the bestselling author of books for all ages about extraordinary historical women and nature. In addition to the Trailblazing Canadians series, her books include Huxley's Island Adventure, Her Courage Rises (a finalist for the 2023 Sheila A. Egoff Children's Literature Prize), On Their Own Terms, and Flourishing and Free. A self-proclaimed trailblazing woman, she enjoys exploring Vancouver Island’s trails, waters, and wilderness. She has an avid interest in wild places and lives in Nanaimo, British Columbia.

Kimiko Fraser is an illustrator and historian-in-training. She grew up constantly making—drawing, painting, knitting, sculpting, bookbinding, etc.—and has never learned how to stop. She is the illustrator of the Trailblazing Canadians Series, Her Courage Rises: 50 Trailblazing Women of British Columbia and the Yukon, and Huxley's Island Adventure. She holds a bachelor of arts (honours History, major Visual Arts) from the University of Victoria. She works with many mediums to create her illustrations, including watercolour, digital, ink, and tea. Most of her work is inspired by her interest in plants, history, and folktales. She lives in Victoria, British Columbia.