Lillie Rosa Minoka Hill

Lillie Rosa Minoka-Hill (1876 – 1952) was a notable figure in the field of medicine, particularly recognized for her contributions as a physician of Mohawk descent. She was the second Native American woman to earn a medical degree in the United States, following Susan La Flesche Picotte. Minoka-Hill's work, especially within the Native American community, has left a lasting impact on public health and community medicine.

Early Life and Education

Lillie Rosa Minoka was born in 1876 on the St. Regis Mohawk Reservation in New York. Her father was a Mohawk leader, and her mother was of Quaker descent. After her mother's death, Minoka moved to Philadelphia to live with her maternal grandparents. She pursued her education with a focus on medicine, inspired by the lack of medical care available to her people.

Minoka attended the Women's Medical College of Pennsylvania, one of the few medical schools that accepted women at the time. She graduated in 1899, becoming one of the first Native American women to earn a medical degree.

Career

After obtaining her medical degree, Minoka-Hill moved to Wisconsin, where she married Charles Hill, a Oneida man. While she initially struggled to find work as a physician due to racial and gender biases, Minoka-Hill eventually established a private practice. She also provided medical care to the Oneida community, often accepting payments in the form of food or other goods when patients could not afford to pay cash.

Minoka-Hill's work extended beyond traditional medical practice. She was deeply involved in public health initiatives, focusing on improving sanitation and nutrition within the Native American communities she served. Her efforts contributed significantly to the reduction of tuberculosis and other infectious diseases that were prevalent at the time.

Legacy

Lillie Rosa Minoka-Hill's legacy is marked by her dedication to serving underserved communities, her pioneering role as a Native American woman in medicine, and her contributions to public health. She is remembered not only for her medical achievements but also for her humanitarian efforts and advocacy for the health and well-being of Native American peoples.

In recognition of her contributions, several scholarships and awards have been established in her name, aimed at supporting Native American students pursuing careers in medicine and public health.

Death

Lillie Rosa Minoka-Hill passed away in 1952. Her life and work continue to inspire future generations of Native American healthcare professionals and advocates for health equity.