Susan “Doc Susy” Anderson – Frontier Physician
Susan Anderson, affectionately known as "Doc Susy," stands as a remarkable figure in the history of Colorado and American medicine. A pioneer among women in the medical profession, she carved a path of compassion and dedication in the rugged landscapes of the American West. Her life, marked by resilience and unwavering commitment to her patients, earned her a well-deserved place in the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame. Susan “Doc Susy” Anderson embodies the spirit of the frontier doctor, tending to the needs of isolated communities with skill, empathy, and an unyielding spirit.
Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the early life of Susan “Doc Susy” Anderson took a significant turn when her family relocated to Kansas. It was here that she completed her high school education in 1891. The same year brought another significant change as her father moved the family to the burgeoning mining town of Cripple Creek, Colorado. This relocation would prove to be a pivotal moment, shaping the course of her life and future career. The raw, untamed environment of Cripple Creek, a place teeming with both opportunity and hardship, would leave an indelible mark on the young Susan Anderson.
Cripple Creek in the late 19th century was a world of its own. A boomtown fueled by the promise of gold, it attracted a diverse population of miners, entrepreneurs, and families seeking their fortune. Life in Cripple Creek was often challenging, with limited access to healthcare and a constant struggle against the harsh elements. It was against this backdrop that Susan “Doc Susy” Anderson witnessed firsthand the needs of a community desperate for medical care. This experience, coupled with her own innate sense of compassion, likely played a significant role in her decision to pursue a career in medicine.
Around 1893, driven by a desire to serve and a thirst for knowledge, Susan “Doc Susy” Anderson left Cripple Creek to embark on her medical education. She enrolled at the University of Michigan, a prestigious institution renowned for its medical program. Her time at the University of Michigan was undoubtedly formative, providing her with the rigorous training and scientific understanding necessary to practice medicine. In 1897, she successfully completed her studies, graduating with a medical degree and ready to put her skills to the test.
Upon graduation, Dr. Susan Anderson returned to Cripple Creek, eager to serve the community that had shaped her aspirations. She established her first practice in the mining town, facing the challenges and prejudices that were often directed towards women in the medical field during that era. Despite these obstacles, her dedication and skill quickly earned her the respect and trust of the local population. She was a small woman, but her character was mighty.
For the next three years, the petite yet quick-witted Dr. Anderson tirelessly tended to the medical needs of the Cripple Creek community. She approached each patient with empathy and understanding, earning a reputation for her compassionate bedside manner. Her skills were not limited to simple ailments; she demonstrated a remarkable ability to handle complex medical cases. One notable instance involved saving a miner’s arm after a male doctor had deemed amputation necessary. This act of skill and determination solidified her reputation as a capable and compassionate physician.
However, personal tragedy struck in 1900, casting a shadow over her life in Cripple Creek. The death of her younger brother and the departure of her fiancé within a short period of time left her heartbroken and disillusioned. These personal losses prompted her to seek a fresh start, leading her to make the difficult decision to leave the mining camp. Susan “Doc Susy” Anderson’s time in Cripple Creek, though marked by both triumphs and sorrows, had laid the foundation for her future as a dedicated and resourceful frontier physician.
Following her departure from Cripple Creek, Dr. Anderson moved to Denver, hoping to establish a successful medical practice in the state’s capital. However, she encountered significant difficulties in securing patients. The societal prejudices against women doctors were prevalent, and many patients were hesitant to entrust their health to a female physician. Furthermore, Denver already had a number of established male doctors, making it challenging for a newcomer to gain a foothold in the medical community.
Faced with these challenges, Dr. Anderson made the pragmatic decision to move to Greeley, Colorado, where she accepted a position as a nurse. For six years, she diligently served the community as a nurse, gaining valuable experience and continuing to hone her medical skills. It was during her time in Greeley that she received a diagnosis of tuberculosis, a debilitating respiratory disease that was widespread at the time. This diagnosis would necessitate another significant change in her life and career.
Seeking a climate more conducive to her health, Dr. Anderson made the decision to move to Fraser, Colorado, in 1907. Situated at an elevation of over 8,500 feet, Fraser offered the cold, dry air that was believed to be beneficial for tuberculosis patients. Initially, Dr. Anderson’s primary focus was on managing her illness, and she did not actively seek to establish a medical practice or advertise her skills as a doctor.
However, word of her medical background inevitably spread throughout the small, isolated community of Fraser. Locals began to seek her advice on various ailments, and she gradually found herself drawn back into the practice of medicine. Her reputation as a skilled and compassionate healer grew organically, as she treated families, ranchers, loggers, railroad workers, and even the occasional farm animal.
The demands of her practice in Fraser were challenging. Most of her patients lived in remote areas, requiring her to make house calls in all kinds of weather. Despite never owning a horse or a car, she was undeterred. She would dress in layers to protect herself from the cold, don high-hip boots to navigate the deep snow, and trek through the harsh terrain to reach her patients. Her unwavering dedication to her patients, regardless of the challenges, earned her the enduring affection and respect of the Fraser community. She became known as "Doc Susy," a testament to her down-to-earth nature and the genuine connection she forged with those she served.
During her many years practicing in the high mountains of Grand County, "Doc Susy" faced numerous challenges, but one of the most demanding periods was during the Influenza Pandemic of 1918-19. Like communities around the world, Fraser was devastated by the deadly virus. Dr. Anderson found herself working tirelessly, rushing from one sickbed to the next, providing comfort and care to those afflicted by the deadly illness.
Another period of intense activity for Dr. Anderson was during the construction of the six-mile Moffat Tunnel through the Rocky Mountains. The construction project brought an influx of workers to the area, and Dr. Anderson found herself treating numerous men who were injured during the dangerous work. During this time, she was also appointed as the Grand County Coroner, a position that allowed her to advocate for improved working conditions and address safety concerns with the Tunnel Commission. Over the five years it took to complete the tunnel, an estimated 19 workers died, and hundreds more were injured.
Unlike many physicians today, Susan Anderson never amassed great wealth from her medical practice. She often accepted payment in the form of firewood, food, services, or other items that could be bartered. Her focus was always on providing care to those in need, regardless of their ability to pay. Doc Susie continued to practice in Fraser until 1956, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, dedication, and unwavering service to the community. Susan “Doc Susy” Anderson’s life and career exemplify the spirit of the frontier doctor, a true legend of the American West.
Dr. Susan "Doc Susy" Anderson passed away in Denver on April 16, 1960. She was laid to rest in Cripple Creek, Colorado, the town that had played such a significant role in shaping her life and career. Her memory continues to inspire generations of medical professionals and serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to serving those in need.