Native American Doctor: The Story of Susan Laflesche Picotte

by Jeri Chase Ferris

A biography of the young Omaha Indian woman who became the first Native American woman to graduate from medical school.

Genres: Biography, Native American, Childrens, Nonfiction

88 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1991

Reviews

[Gale · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A Living Bridge of Faith"

An insightful biography narrated with dignity and respect for the remarkable achievements of this first Native American doctor—a woman. Having witnessed the injustice and despair of her people this younger daughter of Omaha “chief, Iron Eye, Susan vowed in her youth to devote her life to improving the physical and psychological health of her oppressed and often depressed tribe. Ascribing to her father’s controversial policy of assimilation of white man’s ways, Susan dedicated herself to serving as a human, living bridge between two conflicting worlds—one of which was rapidly vanishing from the Great Plains along with the outlawed Ghost Dance.

Educated in American schools and having studied medicine in Philadelphia’s Women’s Medical College Susan spoke and wrote English fluently—in later life trading in her pen for a typewriter. Constantly advocating for the improvement of the Omaha tribe reduced to their shrinking reservation and loss of cultural identity, she wore many hats: doctor, nurse, educator, translator, gentle but persisitent social reformer. She spent a liftime educating her people to the dangers of Alcohol—which even took her husband’s life.

From childhood she had felt compassion for the sick Indians who were treated by indifferent white doctors; she realized that her people needed not only a doctor, but ultimately a real hospital with fresh air and sunshine. Modest to the end at the early age of 50, she was simply grateful to have served her people.

December 29, 2014

[Sarah Mock]

This is the inspiring biography of the young Omaha Indian woman who became the first Native American woman to graduate from medical school.

[Dena Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the other reviews, I wanted to clarify that Ferris’ book doesn’t cover up the injustices done to the Omaha people by the white man. For example, starting on page 60 the author writes, “Despite the government’s concern about rules, some white people were breaking them. Whites were using Indian land for cattle grazing without permission. But that wasn’t the worst problem. The most serious problem was still alcohol, which whites were all too happy to sell to Indians.”

[Gray · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terrible story

[Krisanne Knudsen]

I am so moved by her life. What an incredible woman.

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kudos to every woman who decided to be a doctor when that was basically unheard of. I wouldn't even be a doctor now and there are plenty of woman doctors

[HyVee]

I finished this book.

1. This book tells about a Omaha girl named Susan try to overcome the obstacles to be a Native American doctor. Fortunately, she was born in a good family with father was a Chief of Omahas and mother was a The One Woman of Omahas. She also had three sisters. Her father did not want his children so marked in a white world. Also, he believed the Omahas would have to learn white ways if they were going to live in the new white world. And then, they moved to America. When Susan was young, she quietly helped others who got stuck on their problems. Meanwhile Susan was growing up, she loved her family, her pony, the prairie and her people. However, she didn't know what to do with all these loves. She tried her best and was going smoothly at her school although she moved many different school as well as different place. In 1886, again she was going to a new school with new life without Indians there. She got a little fear but she talked by herself that she could not fail because she had so many dreams for her people. Finally, she was successful and to be a doctor. She returned to the prairie in late 1889 and helped many people by a doctor. And then she married and to be a busy mother in her own family.

2. I love this book because i think it is kind of like me. Susan was a Native American person and she had too many obstacles but she overcame everything and to be a doctor to help people. I am also want to be a doctor and i know that will be very hard for me. But i just keep trying trying and trying and hopely, in one day, my dream will be true.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Susan truly had faced obstacles above and beyond those faced by nineteenth-century white women, yet she overcame every one and dedicated her life to her grateful people". Born on the Omaha Reservation, this women overcame everything to be come the first American Indian Woman doctor, and the first American Indian person chosen to be a missionary. When studying American History one cannot forget about this American heroine. A book that can be included in studying American history, American Indian history, Important women in our history, and about empowering women. Also, don't forget about the many students who live on reservations, or who have family that live on reservations that could relate to this book personally or historically through their families!

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book because it was a biography about Susan LaFlesche Picotte, one of the first doctors from the Omaha, American Indian tribe, and certainly the first female doctor. The book included some of the struggles she had trying to help her people transition to living in the white world and making the transition herself. It did not have a political agenda to push. It was just about her life, it wasn't a book about the supposed "evils of the white man" against the American Indians. It didn't cover things up, but looked at things from Susan's point of view.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book to read. Susan dedicated her whole life to making things better for the Omaha people, her people. She not only was their doctor, but she was their defender, protector, and adviser as well. She was truly a remarkable woman and doctor.

[Karen]

Today's Google doodle reminded me that I read this in elementary school.