Oregon's Doctor to the World

Challenging societal norms from a young age, Esther Clayson Pohl Lovejoy became one of Oregon's first female physicians and a prominent advocate for public health. Her leadership roles included chairing the American Women's Hospitals post-World War I and serving as the first president of the Medical Women's International Association. Lovejoy believed that wars and social inequities were primary causes of disease and suffering, driving her commitment to organized action aimed at addressing these critical issues throughout her life.