I have often thought that the Sioux women, who do most of the drudgery and hard work, were entitled to some consideration, and the best practical method to show them that they have our sympathy is to assist them in every way possible to secure medical education." - Susan La Flesche Picotte

Susan La Flesche Picotte (1865-1915) was a Native American physician and advocate for public health. As a child, Susan La Flesche had watched a sick Indian woman die because the local white doctor would not give her care. She later credited this tragedy as her inspiration to train as a physician, so she could provide care for the people she lived with on the Omaha Reservation.

She was the first Native American woman to earn a medical degree in the United States and is remembered for her work in improving the health and welfare of the Omaha and other Native American communities.

What makes her a Polymath?

Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte was a polymathic figure because of her wide range of skills and accomplishments.

She was not only a physician, but also an advocate for Native American rights, a public health expert, and a writer. She combined her many talents to become a powerful voice for social justice and equality.

Skills:

Susan La Flesche Picotte possessed a unique combination of skills that allowed her to become an effective advocate for public health. These skills included:

• Medical knowledge: As a physician, Picotte had a deep understanding of health and disease.

• Communication skills: Picotte was able to communicate effectively with both Native American communities and white society, bridging cultural divides and building relationships.

• Organizational ability: Picotte was able to mobilize resources and bring people together to address public health challenges.

How she combined her skills:

Picotte combined her medical knowledge, communication skills, and organizational ability to advocate for better health care for Native American communities.

She opened a hospital on the Omaha reservation in Nebraska, where she provided medical care to thousands of patients. She also worked to address public health challenges such as tuberculosis, smallpox, and influenza. In addition, she traveled throughout the country giving lectures and advocating for Native American health issues.

Throughout her career she served +1,300 people over 450 square miles, giving financial advice, resolving family disputes, and providing medical care at all hours of the day and night.

Actionable tips:

Picotte's example shows the importance of combining different skills to achieve a greater goal. To combine skills effectively, you can:

Identify your strengths:

Take stock of your skills and talents to identify areas where you excel.

Determine your passions:

Find areas where your passions align with your skills to create a sense of purpose.

Build relationships:

Develop relationships with people who have complementary skills to accomplish common goals.

Stay informed:

Stay up to date on the latest developments in your field and remain open to new ideas and perspectives.