Step into the remarkable life of Ida S. Scudder, a woman who arrived in India in 1890 feeling that the country was like a nightmare from her past, only to become a visionary medical pioneer. Initially planning a brief stay until her mother recovered, Ida's path took a dramatic turn after witnessing the tragic deaths of three women in one night. Due to local customs and caste restrictions, male doctors, including her own missionary father, were prevented from treating them. This profound experience solidified her resolve to pursue medicine and dedicate herself to serving the women of India, declaring, "It is better she dies than that another man sees her" stood in stark contrast to her growing conviction that no woman should die for lack of medical care.

This episode explores Ida's challenging transition from a young woman in Massachusetts to a medical student determined to overcome barriers. Learn about her struggles with tropical diseases not taught in American medical schools and her personal life, including a significant marriage proposal.

Follow Ida back to India where she began her practice amidst poverty and ancient traditions. We recount the opening of the Mary Taber Schell Hospital in 1902, a vital institution dedicated to women's health. More than just a doctor, Ida became a tireless advocate for women's medical education. Hear about her bold proposal for a unified medical college for women, facing initial skepticism ("Unmöglich!" - "Impossible!"), but ultimately rallying support from thousands of women across America and England.

The episode details the founding of the Union Missionary Medical School for Women in Vellore, a project that required immense fundraising efforts and collaboration between different denominations. Experience the challenges of building, staffing, and gaining recognition for the school, set against the backdrop of India's growing nationalist movement led by figures like Gandhi.

Crucially, we delve into the controversial debate over making the medical college coeducational, driven by changing times and practical necessity. Explore the tension this created with long-time supporters who believed the mission was solely for women, and Ida's eventual, painful decision to support cooperation to ensure the survival and growth of the institution she founded.

This episode offers an insightful look at the dedication and resilience of Dr. Ida Scudder, who, despite personal losses and significant opposition, transformed medical care and education for women in India, leaving behind a legacy that continues to this day.

Works Cited

Wilson, Dorothy C. Doktor Ida. 50 Jahre als Missionsärztin in Indien. Dr. Ida Scudder 1870–1961. Translated by Ruth Rostock, Brockhaus, 1968.