Lakewood’s wife nodded and gave a hint of a smile. She and her friends were sedate and serious for the most part. They were some of Portland’s finest society and were not easily accepting of unfamiliar people or ideas.
Without further ado, Faith began her speech. “As Mrs. Lakewood mentioned in her introduction, I attend the medical college sponsored by Willamette University. The university started the first medical college in the Pacific Northwest in 1866 and began admitting women in 1877. I am privileged to be among the first.”
She could tell by the bored expressions on her audience members’ faces that they were unimpressed. Faith steadied herself and smiled.
“I have been involved in midwifery and healing since I was a child. I have helped deliver hundreds of babies and have treated numerous wounds, diseases, and injuries. By the time I was fifteen, I knew that working in medicine was what God had called me to do.”
The looks of the women turned skeptical, but at least the boredom was gone. Faith pressed on. “In this world, it is common for women to be attended by women in childbirth. Most deliveries, particularly in rural settings, are performed by women in the family. Midwives are only sent for in cases of distress or emergency. The simple reason doctors are not in attendance is that childbirth is not considered a major event worthy of a doctor’s attention, even though it is the most common reason for death in women. Most doctors are male, which is also a strong reason for eliminating them from the birthing room. Women don’t want a strange man present in such an intimate situation.” At this comment, Faith couldn’t help but remember Andrew Gratton referring to himself as a “strange man.” The thought made her smile.
“My thoughts on the matter are similar to those of many other women. Childbirth is probably the most important thing we will ever be a part of, and the safety of our babies, as wellas ourselves, merits better understanding and consideration. Keeping that in mind, it has been established through various polls that women find the idea of a female doctor to be a comfort in such situations. Further, they also appreciate the idea of female physicians for other circumstances isolated to the female anatomy. All of this is to say that the importance of supporting women in medicine cannot be underestimated. We are quite fortunate that the men of our state took our needs seriously and established a place for female students in the medical college.”
She paused, not sure how much time Mrs. Lakewood had allotted for her speech. “Are there questions?”
When no one said anything and Mrs. Lakewood remain seated, Faith continued.
“Our studies are quite vigorous and demanding. We study anatomy in detail, and we also must complete classes in physiology, chemistry, therapeutics, the theory and practice of medicine, surgery, and obstetrics, as well as diseases of women and children. We are required to attend numerous lectures and clinics on all of the practical branches of medicine and to complete a lengthy and detailed paper on a topic to be approved by the college. There is little time for anything else in our lives, as you might guess.”
A woman in the second row raised her gloved hand, then looked around the room as if for approval or acceptance.
“Yes?” Faith smiled, hoping to put the woman at ease. “You have a question?”
“I do. Do the men study diseases of men, while the women study the diseases of women and children?”
Faith shook her head. “I’ve never understood the titling for that course. Obviously, the diseases of children are the same for male or female. Boys and girls alike, if exposed, have thesame chance of developing measles, typhoid, smallpox, mumps, and so forth. I assume that those who put the courses together believed male illnesses would be covered in that manner, and that the problems of a woman’s anatomy were more numerous and complicated.
“After all, when young men die it is usually from injury or work-related accidents. Older men generally succumb to the same diseases that women face. Women, however, are more likely to die in childbirth or complications from childbirth, as I mentioned earlier, while children are most susceptible to disease. Although accidents are also responsible for a fair share of their deaths.”
“Do you truly feel it’s proper and acceptable for a woman to treat a man?” an older matron asked in disapproval. “Why, you aren’t even married and shouldn’t be at all familiar with a man’s body.”
Faith smiled. “But I have younger brothers I helped raise and care for. I grew up on a farm and know very well the differences in our bodies. It is neither shocking nor of great concern for me to help a man rather than a woman. Just as I believe it’s not a matter of impropriety for a male doctor to treat a woman. Our studies and occupations make it so that we look at the human body in a completely different way.”
“Impossible.” The woman’s disapproval was growing, and Faith feared it might spread to the other women before she was able to conclude her talk.
“Might I share an example to better explain?” She looked at the woman, who, after a long pause, gave a curt nod.
Faith thought carefully before beginning. “As women, when you see a baby—an infant in the arms of its mother—what comes to mind?” There was dead silence. Faith nodded. “Manywomen will think about how that relates to them. For me, a single woman who has no children, I might reflect on how much I would like to have a family of my own. Mrs. Lakewood has numerous children, so she might compare the infant to one of her own, contrasting and comparing the size and weight, the appearance and so forth. Now, think back in time to when you yourselves were small children and you first beheld an infant—perhaps a new sibling. What were your thoughts then? Envy? Love? Excitement for the possibility of a new playmate?” Faith gave them a moment to consider this, then continued. “What about when you see an elderly man? Perhaps your father or grandfather—an uncle or older acquaintance. Are your thoughts the same when you see him as when you consider an infant?”
“Of course not!” the matron declared. “What has this to do with anything?”
“I’m trying to show that we look at people differently depending on their age and gender, their position and social standing. Doctors and healers look at them in yet another manner. When I see a young man limping along, I’m not intrigued by his appearance—whether he’s handsome or holds any purpose in my life. I want to know why is he limping and if I can help. When I see a baby with a runny nose, I don’t feel annoyed or worried about my clothes should I hold them. Instead, I worry about any number of diseases and whether this is the first stage of something serious.”
To her surprise, the woman settled back and seemed to accept her answer.
Faith smiled and looked at each woman in the gathering. “Just as each individual artist looks at the same thing and yet paints something entirely different, doctors look at peopleas potential patients. We have a drive to heal—to make life better—to ease pain and suffering.
“I appreciate that you would have me here to speak today, Mrs. Lakewood. I am happy to answer any further questions, but I’m sure your friends would enjoy time to mingle and converse.”
The ladies clapped in their polite, gloved manner. Faith didn’t know whether to retake her seat or just exit as she longed to do. Choosing the latter, she figured someone would stop her if they wanted her to remain. No one did.
She had nearly reached the front door when a male voice called out to her. “Miss Kenner.” She turned to find Mr. Lakewood smiling as he approached. “I heard what you had to say and must tell you that I’m quite impressed.”
“Thank you.” Faith looked around for the butler so she could request her coat.
“I wonder if you might consider speaking to a group of men—potential donors who will gather after the holidays to consider supporting the college. You are able to explain so well what I would like them to understand—especially where it concerns women attending the medical college.”
“I would be happy to, Mr. Lakewood, so long as it meets with President Parrish’s approval. I wouldn’t want him to be offended at my setting up a speaking event on behalf of the department. He must approve.”
“Of course.” The silver-haired man beamed her a smile. “Parrish and I are longtime friends. I’m certain he will see things my way.”
