Janet Kerr Aitken (1886 – 11 April 1982) was a specialist in juvenile rheumatism and President of the Medical Women's Federation from 1940 to 1942.

[1][2] With the outbreak of World War I, Aitken trained as a masseuse in order to help injured servicemen, and she obtained a qualification from the Incorporated Society of Masseurs.

[1] Aitken began her medical career at the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Hospital as a house physician and clinical assistant.

She rose to the rank of consultant in 1929 and became a physician in charge of the Kensington Supervisory Rheumatic Clinic for Children shortly thereafter.

The first woman to be appointed anywhere has a great responsibility, as if she is not found to be a good colleauge the pendulum swings back and another chance is not given for some time.