Sullivan UMC—J. Michael Smith
Today is National Women’s Physician Day
My oldest daughter (Mindy Smith) is named for her doctor—Mindy Smith. (The “Mindy” name is from her doctor—the “Smith” name is from me.)
Dr. Mindy was the physician who cared for us all the way through the pregnancy and up until our Mindy was two—and the bishop moved me from Carbondale to Granite City. We were treated and respected so well by Dr. Mindy, that when it came time to pick a name a daughter—Mindy was aspirational for us.
Back in 1965, women physicians were rare—only 9% of all doctors were female. Today, however, 54% of the students in medical school are women.
The first female physician in the United States was Elizabeth Blackwell, who graduated from medical school in 1849. February 3 is her birthday.
Like anyone on Medicare, I have accumulated a whole collection of physicians in recent years. My urologist, proctologist, ophthalmologist, and cardiologist are all women. Several years back, my family doctor, my district superintendent, and my bishop were all women. Plus the cat and my wife. I was beginning to have intimidation issues—but the only psychiatrist available to me was also a women—so I got better on my own.
For all the women healers—and all the good and godly work they do—thanks be to God!
People News
- John Love is out of surgery at Sarah Bush and is doing well at this writing. Plans to head home today.
- Mary Ann Hecht’s sister, Ginny, also came through successful surgery today in Effingham.
Contacting me:
217-898-3148 or Jms754@gmail.com
I will be at the church all day tomorrow, starting at 9 a.m. Contact me for a time to get together.
I am very happy to see people in the evening, but please call by 5 if you want one of those later time slots.
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