Interview with Christina Surawicz, January 3, 2019

Interview Summary

Dr. Surawicz emigrated from Poland at the age of three with her parents. She grew up in Vermont and Lexington, Kentucky. After her sophomore year in college, she decided she wanted to become a doctor. Dr. Surawicz went on to practice medicine in Seattle, Washington and become the first woman President of the American College of Gastroenterology, among many other accomplishments. She is recognized by the National Library of Medicine. In her interview, she talks about her life growing up, high school and college years, and balancing her professional career with family life. Dr. Surawicz was one of 6 women in a class of 81 students.

Interview Keyword

Women physicians Medical students Medical schools University of Kentucky Lexington, Kentucky Gastroenterology Seattle, Washington National Library of Medicine Local legends Childhood Families. Children of physicians Barnard College Gastroenterologists University of Washington American College of Gastroenterology Sexism. Sex discrimination in employment.

Interview LC Subject

College environment College students--Attitudes. College students--Conduct of life. College students--Social conditions Medical education Universities and colleges. Education, Higher Physicians--Kentucky University of Kentucky. College of Medicine University of Kentucky. Medical Center Women physicians. Universities and colleges--Faculty. Physicians Sex role in the work environment. Sex role. Women--Employment.

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may only be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.