Dr. Susan Anderson
Save Hero
Age
90
Born
1870
Jan 31
Hometown
Fort Wayne,
Indiana
Stories
WHERE TO WATCH INSP
FIND US ON YOUR TV!
Susan Anderson wanted to be a telegraph operator, but her father encouraged her to dream bigger. After high school, she enrolled at the University of Michigan to study medicine, one of the few women in her class. After graduating she tended to Cripple Creek’s mining camp residents for three years. Doc Susie earned a reputation for her prowess at fighting infection, when she saved the arm of a young miner and a male surgeon was eager to amputate. In 1900, she opened a practice in Denver, but few people trusted a woman doctor, so she worked as a nurse for six years until she contracted tuberculosis. After recuperating in Fraser, CO, Doc Susie practiced medicine in the impoverished mountain community for nearly 50 years, often destitute herself. When the Moffat Railroad Tunnel began construction, Doc Susie finally earned an income, tending to accident victims and as the Grand County Coroner. She died at age 90 in 1960.
Suggest a Correction
We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn’t look right, click here to contact us!
Next Hero
hero
“I'll tell you what professor, they died. ”
Dr. Susan Anderson when asked what happened to patients before she had antibiotics.
Timeline
1897
Became a licensed physician after graduating from medical school
1907
Relocated to Colorado where she was the only physician, earning her the nickname Doc Susie. She was especially helpful during the 1918 flu pandemic
1956
She retired and was admitted to a Denver hospital two years later in poor health. She died at age 90 in 1960.
More Heroes
