Dr. Patience Bourdeau

Dr. Patience Bourdeau was the daughter of Elder D. T. Bourdeau. At this time she operated her own sanitarium in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She was superintendent of the Medical Department of the West Michigan Conference. She later married a Mr. Sisco and became known as Dr. Bourdeau-Sisco.

Dear Sister Patience,

I have been having a long talk with my son W. C. White as to how we can best conduct the sanitarium at Washington, D.C. I told him that I had a conversation with your father in reference to your connecting with our sanitarium there. There is need of a lady physician's connecting with the institution at once. The experience that we have had during the past few days has decided us to secure a capable lady physician who can care for the women patients and be matron of the home, that the patients may receive prompt attention and that the helpers may be given the right kind of instruction, such as you can give. The young ladies connected with the institution should be taught to act their part intelligently.DG 98.2

I have much written upon the subject of gentlemen physicians giving the delicate treatments to lady patients. The light given me is that the influence exerted by this is not good, and that grave and serious consequences result from this generally established custom. I have been giving instruction on the point of lady patients coming under the examination of gentlemen physicians.DG 99.1

I shall advise that you be called to Washington as soon as possible, for this is a most important time for our work there. We need you as soon as someone can be secured to take your place.DG 99.2

After I reach home, I will write you again and send you copies of things I have already written.DG 99.3

An expensive building has been rented in Iowa Circle, Washington [D. C.]. It is a beautiful location for a sanitarium and has been fitted up for the giving of treatment, but it needs a house physician and a manager. We need you. We believe that you can help us in Washington. You can give the nurses the instruction that they need and can also give lectures in the parlor to the patients. Will you receive this invitation as prompted by the Lord? I have an assurance that you can do the work essential. Brother Hare is an excellent physician, but not a manager. We need someone who can plan and manage. You can help us out of our difficulty. Washington is a most important place, and a right representation of our work must be given by the sanitarium.DG 99.4

I shall be in St. Helena, California, next week. Write to me there, and please write also to Elder Daniells, Takoma Park, Washington, D.C.—Letter 177, 1905.DG 99.5