[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 137 (Wednesday, November 12, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1519]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING DR. GERALDINE B. CHANEY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 12, 2014

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
remarkable public servant, Dr. Geraldine B. Chaney, M.D., who is a 
native of Mississippi. She was born into a family of nine children (six 
girls and three boys), with parents who stressed the importance of 
strong religious beliefs. Dr. Chaney's parents were not formally 
educated, but possessed a wealth of knowledge. They taught God first, 
family and education next.
  Dr. Chaney chose to attend Tougaloo College and major in Biology and 
Chemistry. As tradition would have it, Dr. Chaney's brothers and 
sisters who had gone to college before her, went to school to become 
school teachers. All of that changed when she heard some of her 
classmates talking about going to medical school. At that moment 
without telling anyone, Dr. Chaney closeted in her mind that she wanted 
to become a physician. She thought that her idea was a bit farfetched. 
She had never seen or known a black or white female physician.
  However, Tougaloo offered unique experience. Dr. Chaney excelled in 
her studies and took the exam for entry into medical school. Her score 
was good enough to get her into her choice of four schools. She chose 
the University of Mississippi, because she wanted to practice in 
Mississippi.
  Dr. Chaney entered medical school with only five other African 
Americans. There were five black males, and she was the only black 
female. It was a very grueling experience, but they all managed to 
finish. Dr. Chaney admits that she did better in medical school than in 
college. Probably because she really wanted to be a doctor. It was also 
important to her that the medical community get to know her and see 
what she was capable of doing.
  When Dr. Chaney completed her residency in 1977, there was only one 
other black pediatrician in the Jackson area. She knew that she 
couldn't start a private practice right out of school, because she 
would be swamped by those looking for a black physician to care for 
their children. So, she spent the first ten years working at the 
clinic, the University Medical Center, with another physician, and 
volunteering. She also worked part-time in public health and 
consulting.
  Dr. Chaney is one of the most prominent pediatricians in the state of 
Mississippi, serving patients of all races and nationalities.
  Dr. Chaney is quick to point out that her husband played a huge part 
in her success. She left her salaried position at the Health Center to 
start her own business, and he stood with her 100%. When she began the 
practice, her earnings were only half of what she had made from the 
clinic and consulting. But, she knew that was only temporary. In her 
own words, ``To build a business, there has to be some sacrifice.'' She 
and her family decided that they could make the sacrifice.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Dr 
Geraldine B. Chaney for her dedication to serving others.

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