Lucinda L. Combs

American physician and missionary

Lucinda L. Combs was a pioneering American physician and missionary known for her work in China during the late 19th century. She was among the first women to practice medicine in China and contributed significantly to the development of medical missions in the region.

Early Life and Education

Lucinda L. Combs was born in the mid-19th century in the United States. She grew up in a period when opportunities for women in medicine were limited. Despite societal constraints, Combs pursued her passion for medicine and enrolled in medical school. She graduated with a medical degree, becoming one of the few women physicians of her time.

Medical Missionary Work

Cazenovia, New York, where Combs may have spent part of her early life

After completing her medical education, Combs felt a calling to serve as a missionary. She joined the Methodist Episcopal Church's mission to China, where she aimed to provide medical care and spread the Christian faith. Her work in China was groundbreaking, as she was one of the first female physicians to practice in the country.

Arrival in China

Combs arrived in China in the late 19th century, a time when Western medicine was just beginning to gain a foothold. She settled in Peking (now Beijing), where she established a medical practice. Her work involved treating local patients, many of whom had never before received care from a Western-trained physician.

A view in Peking, c. 1877, where Combs practiced medicine

Challenges and Achievements

Combs faced numerous challenges, including cultural barriers and resistance to Western medicine. Despite these obstacles, she gained the trust of the local community through her dedication and skill. Her efforts not only improved the health of her patients but also paved the way for future medical missionaries.

Legacy

Lucinda L. Combs is remembered as a trailblazer for women in medicine and a pioneer in medical missions. Her work in China set a precedent for future generations of female physicians and missionaries. Combs' legacy is a testament to her courage and commitment to serving others.

Related Pages

• Medical Missionary
• Women in Medicine
• Methodist Episcopal Church
• History of Medicine in China