Dr Ida Sophia Scudder was a third generation American medical missionary who worked in India. She dedicated her life to the welfare of Indian women and the fight against bubonic plague, cholera, and leprosy. In 1918, she founded one of Asia's foremost teaching hospitals, the Christian Medical College & Hospital, Vellore, Tamil Nadu.

HER Contribution to Healthcare Landscape in India ;

Ida Sophia graduated from Cornell Medical College, New York City, in 1899. With the help of a grant of $ 10,000 from Mr Schell, a Manhattan banker, in memory of his wife, Ida started a tiny medical dispensary and clinic for women at Vellore, 75 miles from Madras. In two years, she treated 5,000 patients. Later, she opened the Mary Taber Schell Hospital in 1902.She opened a medical school for girls only. Despite the scepticism of her move, Ida got 151 applications in the first year (1918) and could not accommodate all of them.

Change-Making Positions Held ;

She founded the Christian Medical College, Vellore, which is now one of the premier medical education institutions as well as hospitals in India.

Laurels Brought to Dr Ida Sophia Scudder ;

# Received the Elizabeth Blackwell Citation from the New York Eye and Ear Infirmaryfor being one of the five
outstanding women doctors of 1952.
# Commemorative stamp released by the Department of Posts on August 12, 2000, as part of the centenary
celebrations of the Christian Medical College. The first-day cover portrays Dr Ida Scudder.
* The Ida Scudder School in Virutham Pet, Vellore, is named in her honour.

Impact Brought in the Lives of Common Indians ;

In 2003, the Christian Medical Centre College, Vellore was the largest Christian hospital in the world, with 2,000 beds. And its medical school is one of the premier medical colleges in India.