STUDY ABROAD

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 59, 13 March 1929, Page 11

STUDY ABROAD

LADY DOCTOR'S TRAVELS

Dr. Edith Mayo, who graduated from Otago University six years ago, and who has since been studying abroad, returned to New Zealand yesterday by the Makura. Dr. Mayo spent eighteen months in ' England, mostly .in London, six months in Vienna, and two and a. half years in Philadelphia at the Woman's HospitaJ, and the West Philadelphia Hospital for Women. Like- all United States hospitals, these two catered for both ward . and private patients. As Dr.' Mayo was studying diseases of women and children, she especially chose to work at . the Woman's Hospital and the West Philadelphia Hospital, which, incidentally, were very largely run by women.. The board of managers, or hospital board, as wo would call it hero, was composed entirely of women, as was the honorary staff. .

Dr. Mayo told a "Post" representative that she had- found excellent opportunities for study in America, although she felt that it would be unwise to .make too sweeping ' a statement dn this respect.

"Some people expect so much," she said laughingly, "and'l know many are disappointed in America. They think they can just pick up gold off the streets, while in reality America demands very solid work for what she gives in return."

With Dr. Kathleen .Todd and Miss Moira Todd (Dunedin), . Dr. Mayo motored from London to Vienna, and back through Italy to Paris. "Wo quite shocked the Viennese, who thought It odd that, three women should travel so far without an escort, but we did not have any adventures to speak of, and everywhere the people were charming. Vienna ■ was delightful—marvellous music—concerts and. operas every night—and such an air, of 1 gaiety, over all. It is wonderful now; what it was before the war.l cannot imagine." .'

Owing to post-war conditions, Dr. Mayo found that Viennese professors, men who were absolutely at the top of: their profession, were willing to teach classes of foreign students in order .to augment their incomes. Most of them spoke English, but some of the classes wore taken in German.

"Everywhere throughout America they know that New. Zealand has the lowest infant mortality," said Dr. Mayo,:" and I was always asked about it wherever I went. I found, too, that the very, name 'New Zealander' was a good introduction anywhere in America or England. Sometimes they think wo are joined on to Australia, .but oven then they like us just the same!" Dr. Mayo will leave for Wanganui to-morrow on a visit to relatives, and will stay with friends in various parts of the: Dominion before settling down to serious work again. • .