Susan Anderson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Susan Anderson
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| Born | January 31, 1870 |
| Died | April 16, 1960 (aged 90) Denver, Colorado, US
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| Education | University of Michigan |
| Medical career | |
| Profession | Physician |
Susan Anderson (born January 31, 1870 – died April 16, 1960) was an amazing American doctor. She was one of the first women to practice medicine in Colorado. People lovingly called her "Doc Susie." She dedicated her life to helping people in remote mountain towns.
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Who Was Dr. Susan Anderson?
Susan Anderson, often known as "Doc Susie," was a pioneering doctor in Colorado. Born in 1870, she became a symbol of dedication and care. She spent nearly 50 years serving isolated communities. Her story shows how one person can make a huge difference.
Early Life and Education
Susan Anderson was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1870. Her family later moved to Kansas. When she was young, her parents separated. She lived with her father, younger brother, and grandmother. After finishing high school in 1891, her family moved to Cripple Creek, Colorado. This was after gold was discovered there.
Susan first thought about becoming a telegraph operator. However, her father encouraged her to study medicine. She decided to attend medical school at the University of Michigan. This was a big step for a woman at that time.
Starting Her Medical Career
Susan Anderson became a licensed doctor in 1897 after graduating. She first returned to Cripple Creek. Then, she tried to practice medicine in other Colorado towns. These included Denver, Greeley, and Eaton. It was hard for her to find work as a female doctor. In 1900, her engagement ended.
In 1904, she was appointed Coroner of Grand County, Colorado. As a coroner, she investigated deaths. She looked into many deaths during the building of the Moffat Tunnel railroad. This was a very important and challenging job.
"Doc Susie" of Fraser
In 1907, Susan became ill with tuberculosis. She then moved to Fraser, Colorado. The people there quickly grew to love her. They affectionately nicknamed her "Doc Susie." For 49 years, she was the only doctor in Fraser.
Doc Susie cared for all kinds of patients. She helped with everything from childbirth to skiing injuries. She was especially busy during the 1918 flu pandemic, treating many cases of pneumonia. She often made house calls to her patients. Interestingly, she never owned a horse or a car. People usually paid her with food or firewood instead of money. This shows how much she was a part of the community.
A Legacy of Care
During the 1950s, Doc Susie's story became well-known. Several newspapers and magazines wrote about her. A famous actress, Ethel Barrymore, even wanted to make a movie about her life. But Doc Susie humbly declined the offer.
She retired in 1956 after many years of service. In 1958, her health declined, and she was admitted to Denver General Hospital. She stayed there until she passed away in 1960 at the age of 90. She was buried in Cripple Creek.
In 1997, Susan Anderson was honored. She was inducted into the Colorado Women's Hall of Fame. This recognized her incredible contributions. Some people believe the TV character of Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman was inspired by Doc Susie. However, there is no official proof of this. Her life truly showed what it means to be a dedicated doctor.
