Ruth Simkin

Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, the eldest of four siblings, Ruth Simkin was a troubled teenager and young adult, and while at college in her fourth year at the University of Manitoba, she was committed to Chestnut Lodge, as a result of undiagnosed epilepsy. Chestnut Lodge was one of America's most historic psychiatric hospitals in the '60's.. Her book, 'The Jagged Years of Ruthie J' was based on her time there. After a young doctor was able to diagnose her with Epilepsy, Simkin (who was once told she would remain committed for life), left the institution and returned to Trinity College in Washington, DC, and graduated with a science degree. She went on to obtain her MD from University of Calgary Medical School in 1973. She chronicles her amazing journey from institutionalized teen, to successful medical doctor. in her memoir The Jagged Years of Ruthie J.

Simkin specialized in family and community medicine and incorporated her studies in acupuncture from the Shanghai College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China, into her practice. She also opened the first PMS Clinic in Western Canada.

While in Calgary, Simkin was very active in the arts community and also started the first lesbian and gay political action group, CLAGPAG. She produced many concerts there over the years, especially for the lesbian/feminist population. She left Calgary with several honors, specifically a Woman of the Year Award and a Speak Sebastian Award of Distinction. Before leaving Calgary, she opened Western Canada's first Holographic Art Gallery.

Simkin moved to Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, in the early '90s where she was also a vegetable farmer for almost ten years. She later became the first person to complete a fellowship in palliative care within the medical program at University of British Columbia, becoming board certified by the American Board of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. She worked as a specialist in pain and symptom management at the Victoria Hospice.

Simkin was a passionate world traveler and in the '70s and '80s, studied in countries all over the globe. In 2005, she took a three-month hiatus to travel the world.

Illness forced an early retirement, but Simkin remained active living with her animal companion, Kelly, until she passed away in December, 2022. She was devoted to many charitable causes, including pet therapy and volunteered on many boards of directors, notably in the arts. She was also a great fan and supporter of theatre and opera.

There will be additional publications coming out in 2025/6 of her manuscripts that she wrote before her death. Stay tuned.