University of Louisville Pediatrics chairman makes a gift to the School of Nursing
Carrie M. Rabalais was a 1939 graduate of Charity Hospital School of Nursing in New Orleans, LA. She was the first and only college graduate in her family of six siblings.
After initial work as an obstetric nurse in Charity Hospital, she settled into a career as a pediatric nurse primarily at Hotel Dieu Hospital in New Orleans. She was a quiet but strong and passionate advocate for pediatric patients, and worked solely as a pediatric nurse until her retirement in 1984.
"This scholarship fund was started in my mother’s memory for inspiring me to a career in medicine and specifically a career in pediatrics," said Gerard Rabalais, M.D. MHA, chairman, University of Louisville Pediatrics. "Her unwavering support of my education, her constant encouragement, and her dedication to the care of children served as the key factors in my career decisions."
The scholarship will be used to support nursing students in graduate or undergraduate programs with a primary interest in a career in pediatrics.
Dr. Rabalais says it is a sincere pleasure and honor to create this scholarship in his mother’s name.
"Although this is given in her honor, it indirectly pays tribute to all the pediatric nurses who have influenced me, trained me, and helped me in my career over the past 30 years,” he said.
