Marie Equi became one of the first 60 women to become a physician in Oregon . She established a general medicine practice in Portland in 1905 with an emphasis on health concerns of women and children . Her role as a physician became widely known to the public once she volunteered to join a group of doctors and nurses who provided medical care to people stricken during the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire . That disaster was the largest natural calamity with the most deaths for nearly one hundred years . At the time , the federal government was not prepared to provide the kind of massive relief needed . Equi 's courageous volunteer work was hailed by California 's Governor , San Francisco 's Mayor , and the U.S. Army which awarded her a medal and a commendation
1906 San Francisco earthquake
1906 San Francisco earthquake
Marie Equi