I.

Adversity

A. Leukimia
Quotes: In 2012, during a routine health checkup, Love was diagnosed with leukemia.
During her treatment, which included chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant, she
developed a new perspective on the experiences of cancer patients.
Paraphrasing: Susan Love used her disease as a stepping stone to improve her relations
with patients rather than as an excuse. She learned how they felt and had a deeper
understanding for the patient's situation.
Source: "Changing the Face of Medicine | Dr. Susan M. Love." U.S National Library of
Medicine. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 19 Mar. 2015.

B. Coming Out
Quotes: Dr. Love also advocated for the rights of same-sex couples as parents. In 1989
she gave birth to a daughter conceived from sperm donated by a cousin of her lifepartner, Dr. Helen Cooksey.
Paraphrasing: As a gay women in medicine, love faced many challenges. After crossing
them, she was able to make history.
Source: "Changing the Face of Medicine | Dr. Susan M. Love." U.S National Library of
Medicine. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 19 Mar. 2015.

C. No Role Model
Quotes: When I trained in surgery there were very few women surgeons and so no role
models. Finally being a lesbian, woman surgeon meant that I was never going to be
accepted into the "old boys club." It meant that I had to be better and that I had to serve
my patients so well that they would come to me for that reason and not because someone
had referred them.
Paraphrasing: Love fought on despite her special situation for her own rights. She was a
leader who was able to stick out and make a difference, while staying unique.
Source: "Changing the Face of Medicine | Dr. Susan M. Love." U.S National Library of
Medicine. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 19 Mar. 2015.