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The Life of Dr. Bertha Van Hoosen

The Life of Dr. Bertha Van Hoosen

Step inside the extraordinary life of Dr. Bertha Van Hoosen, a trailblazing surgeon who reshaped the future of women in medicine.

Born in 1863 and raised on her family’s farm in what is now Rochester Hills, Dr. Van Hoosen fought her way into the medical field at a time when women were denied even the most basic opportunities. Over her 59-year career, she broke barriers, pioneered surgical techniques, founded the American Medical Women’s Association, and mentored generations of young women she endearingly called her “surgical daughters.”

Join us for this deeply human look at her journey as part of the Packard Proving Grounds’ Historical Speaker Series, presented by Samantha Lawrence. Discover how one woman’s courage, persistence, and belief in her own potential changed the course of medical history.

Event Details:
Sunday, February 22nd
1–2 PM
$5 Admission (FREE for members)

Packard Proving Grounds Historic Site
49965 Van Dyke Ave., Shelby Township, MI 48317

Purchase tickets: PackardProvingGrounds.org/Feb22-HSS-PPG
Call or text: (586) 739-4800

Packard Proving Grounds
01:00 PM - 02:00 PM on Sun, 22 Feb 2026

Event Supported By

Packard Proving Grounds Historic Site
586-739-4800
maryanne@packardprovinggrounds.org
Packard Proving Grounds
49965 Van Dyke Ave
Shelby Township, Michigan 48317
5867394800
maryanne@packardprovinggrounds.org