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About Oral History
Digital Identifier
RPCV-ACC-2020-046
Interviewee(s)
Gemmell, Joanna
Interviewer(s)
Gall, Gail B.
Access Restriction Status
Open
Use Restriction Status
None
Description
Joanna (Jody) Gemmell (nee Schmeucker) served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Honduras from 1969 to 1971 as a nurse. She had seven years of acute care nursing experience. Training in Camp Crozier, Puerto Rico, focused on language and culture but omitted preparation for nursing practice and education in Honduras. Gemmell was assigned to the hospital in Santa Rosa de Copan, and was the only nurse on staff. She managed multiple wards, devised innovative solutions in primitive conditions, and developed operating room training for the nursing assistants. She found the pediatric and maternal losses, lack of respect by local physicians, and isolation from her peers to be daunting. However, Gemmell is proud that she was able to lay a foundation for subsequent nursing volunteers. The Peace Corps was very influential in her life, and now she volunteers in clinics caring for the under-served populations and supports pediatric neurological care in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Interviewed and recorded by Gail B. Gall, September 12, 2019. 1 digital audio file.
Date(s) of Materials
12 September 2019
Extent
1 digital file (audio; stereo; 30 minutes)
Deed Status
Deeded
Copyright Status
Public Domain (Donated to the United States Government)
Collection
Series
039. Honduras.
Preferred Citation
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Collection. Honduras. Gemmell, Joanna (1969-1971): Oral history interview
Subject(s)
Organization(s)
Place(s)
Use Restriction Note
Consult with archivist to determine copyright holder.
Accession Number
ACC-2020-046
Transcript
Page Last Updated
October 28, 2023 9:18:57 AM EDT