On January 26, 1961, just about a week after his inauguration,
President John F. Kennedy appointed Janet Travell, 59 (above),
as his personal physician, making her the first woman in history
to hold the post.

Dr. Travell possessed an impressive resume that included
graduating with honors from Wellesley College, internships
in cardiology, a professorship in clinical pharmacology at
Cornell University and an established reputation as a pioneer
in the treatment of chronic myofascial pain.

Dr. Travell with President Kennedy.

Janet Graeme Travell (December 17, 1901 – August 1, 1997)