[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 54 (Thursday, March 23, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S4489]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     DR. CLAIRE LOUISE CAUDILL NAMED ``COUNTRY DOCTOR OF THE YEAR''

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
remarkable Kentuckian who has been named 1994/95 ``Country Doctor of 
the Year.'' Dr. Claire Louise Caudill of Rowan County, KY, has 
unselfishly dedicated herself to the medical profession and the 
citizens of Rowan County for 46 years.
  Dr. Caudill was one of two women to graduate from the University of 
Louisville Medical School in 1946. Since that time, she has devoted 
herself to ensuring that proper medical attention was given in her 
county. She and her faithful nurse assistant, Susie Halbieb, often went 
above and beyond the call of duty. The two trudged through streams and 
down impassible country roads to provide care to people. In 1957, Dr. 
Caudill and nurse Susie opened a maternity clinic in Morehead and 
delivered about 600 babies a year.
  Dr. Caudill's clinic was essential to Rowan County, as the next 
closest facility was over 70 miles away. Her practice was largely 
comprised of Medicare/Medicaid patients in one of the nation's poorest 
areas. She only required payment if the patient could afford it.
  She made the dream of a proper medical facility a reality when she 
initiated fundraising to build a hospital. She spearheaded the effort 
to raise over $250,000 and then sought the assistance of the Sisters of 
Notre Dame to assist with funding, management, and staffing. The 
hospital was built in the 1960's and was duly named the St. Claire 
Medical Center. The hospital has since emerged as a noted regional 
facility. It is equipped with a cancer treatment center, a maternity 
center, a hospice, and a home health care department.
  Dr. Caudill has been responsible for delivering over 8,000 babies in 
her lifetime. Although she no longer delivers babies, she still sees 
around 20 patients a day. Dr. Caudill is a credit to her community and 
the medical profession. Mr. President, I ask the Chamber to join me in 
paying tribute to Claire Louise Caudill, MD, Country Doctor of the 
Year. Her commitment to the welfare of her community continues to be an 
example for us all.


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