Hilda Josephine Florey

Hilda Josephine Gardner (neé Florey) was born 6 September 1890 in Adelaide, South Australia. She is the elder sister of Howard Florey (1898-1968), the scientist credited with leading the team who developed the life-saving drug, penicillin. A particular interest in infections and infectious diseases, Hilda studied a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Medicine (M.B. B.S.) at the University of Adelaide, graduating in 1912. She was a diligent student, ranking in the top percentile of students. [1]

After graduation, Hilda held residencies at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide Children’s Hospital (now the Women’s and Children's Hospital) and at the Women’s Hospital in Melbourne. In 1934 she was appointed to the Royal Melbourne Hospital where she spent the rest of her career. Her contributions to Australian medicine were recognised in 1951, and she was awarded an honorary fellowship by the Royal Australasian College of Physicians. [2]

In 1917, she married Dr John Forrest Gardner (1890 –1928), who was also a University of Adelaide graduate. The had two children: Joan Forrest Gardner (1918-2013) and David Gavin Gardner (1924-1932). [3]

She was a pioneer of laboratory medicine in Australia. She was Assistant Bacteriologist at the Royal Melbourne Hospital (1929) and oversaw the department of Clinical Pathologist (1934). Her laboratory was responsible for the bacteriology and haematology for the entire hospital. [4]

Hilda trained a generation of pathologists and physicians, helping to initiate a formal training course for laboratory technicians. [5] She was recognised in 1951, being elected a Fellow of The Royal Australasian College of Physicians. [6]

Resources

[1] Adelaide AZ. (2025). Howard Florey’s fame obscures distinguished medical careers of his sister Hilda and wife Mary after Adelaide Uni. Adelaide AZ. https://adelaideaz.com/articles/howard-florey-s-fame-obscures-distinguished-medical-careers-of-his-sister-hilda-and-wife-mary-after-adelaide-university (accessed 17 December 2025)

[2] Adelaide AZ. (2025). Howard Florey’s fame obscures distinguished medical careers of his sister Hilda and wife Mary after Adelaide Uni. Adelaide AZ. https://adelaideaz.com/articles/howard-florey-s-fame-obscures-distinguished-medical-careers-of-his-sister-hilda-and-wife-mary-after-adelaide-university (accessed 17 December 2025)

[3] VWMA (2025) John Forrest Gardner. https://vwma.org.au/explore/people/62463

[4] The University of Adelaide. (2018). Diversifying Portraiture 2018; Hilda Gardner FRACP. Human Resources. https://www.adelaide.edu.au/hr/culture-and-values/diversity-and-inclusion/gender-equity/our-gender-equity-history/diversifying-portraiture-2018#hilda-gardner-fracp

[5] Cohn, H. (2021). Gardner, Hilda Josephine (1890 - 1953). Encyclopedia of Australian Science. Taken from http://www.eoas.info/biogs/P005815b.htm (accessed 17 December 2025

[6] The University of Adelaide. (2018). Diversifying Portraiture 2018; Hilda Gardner FRACP. Human Resources. https://www.adelaide.edu.au/hr/culture-and-values/diversity-and-inclusion/gender-equity/our-gender-equity-history/diversifying-portraiture-2018#hilda-gardner-fracp