The British Medical Journal's obituary of McLaren noted that she was the first woman gynecologist in Glasgow.
[3] During her career, she worked in a number of institutions, including: McLaren was a fellow of the Glasgow Obstetrical and Gynecological Society.
[4] In 1902, she was involved in founding the Glasgow Women's Private Hospital alongside Elizabeth Margaret Pace.
During her time in Glasgow, she shared a house with Elizabeth Margaret Pace at 7 Newton Place until the latter's marriage in 1908.
[3] McLaren was a founder member of the Glasgow and West of Scotland Association for Women's Suffrage.