During her poverty-stricken childhood, Esther Pohl Lovejoy was determined to become a physician, and was one of three women accepted at the University of Oregon's medical school. After her graduation, she set up a practice in Portland with her physician husband. Later, the Pohls joined Esther's brothers in Alaska, where they established a hospital.

After her husband's tragic death, Esther became deeply involved in the problems of community health. She found her true calling, however, as organizer and director of the American Women's Hospital Service.

The AWH did relief work all over Europe during World War I. Women physicians were selected to serve in whatever capacity was needed wherever needed. Esther set up orphanages, clinics, hospitals and dispensaries all over the world. When the second world war began, she again aided the suffering millions in Europe and helped the displaced Japanese in this country. After the need for AWH assistance was outgrown in Europe, Esther turned to other areas of the world—Thailand, Korea and Taiwan. Wherever people were suffering from lack of medical care and inadequate facilities, Esther and the AWH went.

Esther Pohl Lovejoy received numerous honorary degrees and certificates and decorations from heads of state all over the world, and devoted her life to helping those less fortunate than herself, particularly women and children. Throughout her long and active life, she was a powerful force in gaining worldwide recognition for the skills and contributions of women in the medical field.

From the dust jacket