When Susan La Flesche Picotte was young, she had a life-changing experience. Picotte lived on the Omaha Reservation in Nebraska. She grew up in the 1860s. A woman from her community was sick. The local doctor was a white man. He refused to help the woman. Sadly, she died. This moment inspired Picotte to become a doctor. She wanted to make sure no one else in her community would suffer without care.
Picotte’s father was a leader. He believed in the power of education. He encouraged Picotte and others to learn as much as they could. Picotte was sent to school far away in New Jersey. There, she studied hard. After her education, she taught at a school on the Omaha Reservation. Her dream of becoming a doctor never left her, though.
One day, a woman who was working at the school encouraged Picotte to go back east to study medicine. Picotte took her advice. She in a special college for women. After two years, she graduated! Picotte was now a doctor. She was the first Native American woman to become a doctor in the United States.
Picotte returned to the Omaha Reservation. She worked tirelessly to help her people. Picotte gave care no matter the time of day or night. Picotte made sure everyone could receive care from her. Picotte also helped with issues like family problems. She even gave money advice!
Picotte’s biggest dream was to open a hospital on the Omaha Reservation. In 1913, just two years before she died, Picotte finally made that dream come true by opening a hospital in Walthill, Nebraska. Today, the hospital has been turned into a museum. The museum honors Picotte’s amazing work and the history of the Omaha and Winnebago tribes.
One person can make a big difference. Picotte saw a need in her community. She worked hard to make sure everyone had the care and support they deserved. Picotte is remembered as a true hero who changed lives. Her lives on today.
By Ryan Cramer
Updated March 10, 2025, 5:00 P.M. (ET)
