The Doctor's Work Endures by Ron Soodalter, Nebraska Life, July/August 2025, p 53.
Susan Laflesche was passionate about caring for her people, the Omaha Indians on the Omaha reservation in Nebraska. She had seen disregard for Omaha life and decided to take upon herself the task of making a difference. Susan was eleven years younger than her famous sister, Susette La Flesche. An elder had been denied treament, with the doctor saying it didn't matter, she is only an Indian. Susan decided it did matter and did something about it. 1889 she graduated valedictorian from the Women's Medical College of Pennsylvania. She became the first Native American physician. She returned to Nebraska determined to care for all. She would do house calls. She opened a hospital in Walthill in 1919. This hospital has recently been restored and is a medical and community center. In addition a couple women recently reenacted her life, keeping the story alive. They were able to present at the Smithsonian.
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