Doctor in a Dress, the Life and Times of Bonnie Jean Blacklock, MD

Book excerpt: As a little girl, Bonnie played with pill bugs and lizards instead of dolls. She became a doctor in 1963, graduating with two other "girl doctors" and 127 men; breaking ground for women physicians who followed in her footsteps and still fight for equality in the workplace - and this while raising a family. It's a story of exhilaration, hope, tragedy, and resolution that will make you laugh, cry, and everything in between. "I didn't get into medical school the first time I applied. I was appalled when the dean looked me straight in the eye and said, 'Mrs. Blacklock, if we accept you, we'll be taking that position away from a man who has a family to support.' I left in a huff, making it clear I didn't see his point." Doctor in a Dress is an inspiring memoir about life as it was lived in America during the last 90 years or so. In clear and authentic prose Mom celebrates the achievements of herself and her family as they meet the great and small challenges of life. This will play in Peoria as well as deep in the heart of Texas Dennis Littrell I met Bonnie and her remarkable husband, David Sr., sixteen years ago when I became employed with the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitation Services in Austin, Texas. Although I admired the Blacklocks and considered them friends, I was unaware of Bonnie s and David s history until I read an early version of her memoir. The devastating incident that left David partially paralyzed would have destroyed a lesser man and woman. After the difficult times of David s initial recovery, Bonnie enrolled in medical school with the idea that she might have to become the chief provider. Bonnie s work ethic kept her going until her retirement from family practice at age 70, and retirement from administrative medicine at the young age of 91 a remarkable achievement. I was moved by Bonnie s story, and I admire the strength of both her and David Sr. Kelvin Samaratunga, MD MS FRCS FRCSE, neurological surgeon