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Beryl Overton Howie
Full NameBeryl Overton Howie
Date of Birth7th November 1924Date of Death1st December 2012Biography
Beryl Overton Howie was born on 7th November 1924, the only daughter to John Ruskin Howie and Gertrude Mary Howie (nee Stevenson), in Invercargill. Howie had a younger brother, John Stevenson Howie, who was born 27th May 1926 in Auckland. The move to Auckland occurred when Howie’s father received a promotion as a travelling sales representative – a job that continually dictated the families location. Howie was educated at Mangawhau Primary School and Epson’s Girls’ Grammar School, and attended Millie Sim’s St. Eden Presbyterian Church Bible Class. Howie felt that she did not know God, and wanted to become a Christian. Eventually she found a way to do this with the support of Sim’s and her parents. Howie wished to become a doctor, and through hard work she earned a scholarship to support her venture. Howie managed to pass her pre-medicine examinations at the University of Auckland, but this was after Howie had to repeat physics – her social calendar was particularly full during her first year, and therefore her study lapsed. After successfully completing the physics course, Howie made her way to Dunedin to attend the Otago School of Medicine. During this time, Howie’s father was offered a job in Timaru, and so the rest of the family migrated south. In 1949, Howie passed her examinations, and spent two years training in the Timaru Public Hospital.
During her second year at the Timaru Public Hospital, a visiting professor from Oxford, Professor Robert Macintosh heard that Howie was interested in applying for a postgraduate Diploma in Obstetrics. Howie was asked by Macintosh to study in Oxford. As Howie’s Aunty Peggy was married to John Stallworthy, senior consultant in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Oxford, she felt it inappropriate to seek a position there. Howie did apply, but sent her application to the Radcliffe Infirmary for a House Officer position in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, to avoid Stallworthy. After no response, she assumed she did not get a position. Howie continued on her plan of heading to the United Kingdom in 1952, in hope to get a training post when she arrived. When pulling into the Gibraltar Harbour on her way to the United Kingdom, Stallworthy who was on board another vessel yelled “Beryl! You’ve got the job in the Department – I’ll see you in Oxford!” In 1952 Howie started as a resident House Surgeon in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department in Radcliffe Infirmary. Six months later, she gained her Diploma of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (DRCOG). The next qualification Howie gained was in 1955, where Howie became a member for the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists (RCOG).
After returning to the United Kingdom after travelling to New Zealand for her brother, John Howie’s wedding, she was introduced to Peter Snell, who was working in the Physiological Department at the Christian Medical College and Hospital (CMC) at Ludhiana, Punjab in India. Although Howie believed her calling would be to serve in the China Inland Mission (China was quickly closing it’s boarders due to the Communist Government), Howie filled out the application to work at CMC in 1958. After participating in a number of interviews, Howie was requested urgently to travel to India.
Howie landed in Bombay on 5th January 1958, where she was ushered to board a train to Ludhiana. Although she had her own tiny compartment for the 36 hour long journey, she had no bed roll, no food or water, and a hole in the floor to use as a bathroom. Once Howie had arrived at Ludhiana station, she was greeted by the Principal of the Christian Medical College, Dr. Eileen Snow. Howie was directed to spend 6 weeks studying the languages of India, but had to choose between Punjab (local language), Hindi (national language) or Urdu (academic language). Howie decided on Punjab, as this language would allow her to relate to the patients she would be assisting.
Howie installed that every week departments would review cases, including deaths, to learn and engage with a variety of medical issues. Treatment of patients was considered a team responsibility, and it was the responsibility of a team when a patient passed away. After gaining formal recognition from the University of Punjab, CMC had an MD programme. Prior to this achievement, students would have to engage in postgraduate study in Bombay, the Unite Kingdom or the United States of America. The MD programme took an extra two years of study, and each student needed to present a thesis describing original research on a practical topic. Howie insisted on meeting with her students, to discuss their projects twice a week.
Near the close of Howie’s first term, the governing body of Ludhiana CMC decided that they would use their funds to pay Indian doctors, and all expatriate employees needed to source their own funding, salaries and expenses. After some discussions, the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand placed Howie on their payroll at the beginning of her furlough. During this furlough, Howie’s time was absorbed by Howie’s desired to qualify as a General Surgeon, completing the first part of the Fellowship of Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.
Howie returned to Bombay on the 4th March 1965, to find that there had been staff changes, including the appointment of a departmental secretary, which would provide Howie with some relief. The development of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department was at the fore of Howie’s priorities, as she thoroughly enjoyed supervising her students. 27 doctors completed their MD studies under Howie in a variety of areas. Two to three students sat their diploma examinations each January and October, and at least two students would gain MD and move to regional centres. The Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department was shaping up to be the model Howie envisaged.
Howie retuned to New Zealand in 1969 for deputation work, involving speaking to a number of schools and churches. Howie also prepared for the second part of the Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons examination, which she passed in February 1971. She returned to Ludhinan in winter, to be confronted with a warzone, due to the conflict of Pakistan’s Muslim and Hindu communities.
The Indian Government set up a national Post-Partum Programme to help mothers and their newborns. A similar service had been provided by CMC for over 40 years, but it was underutilized. Howie and her colleagues shared the idea to take mature women from their communities, and supplementing their life experiences of having and caring for children with basic instructions on the workings and provisions of a hospital. This included family planning, ante-natal care, care of newborn, growth and development, and the importance of immunization. These women were called “Lay Urban Health Workers,” (LUHWs), and it was proved to be a successful venture. In 1972, a number of experienced staff left CMC, but it allowed national doctors to fill the vacancies.
Howie’s plan for CMC always involved structural improvements, and did so within budget restraints. The dream was to create a new Obstetrical and Gynaecological Wing. After comprehensive discussions with her team, a plan was designed. It would cost over one million New Zealand Dollars to build. The New Zealand Government promised to supply $500,000 if Howie and CMC could fund the extra $615,000. By the time Howie had raised $100,000 in October 1976, the New Zealand Government stated that the $500,000 would only be gifted if the $615,000 was raised by 31st December 1977. Nearly to the day, Howie had accumulated the required amount. Construction on the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Wing could begin.
A few years earlier, in 1974, CMC appointed a the first Indian director, Dr. K. Narayan Nambudripad. Nambudripad was the former head of Neurosurgery. During the first few years in this position, Nambudripad was concerned primarily with administrative responsibilities, before drawing his attention to the plans surrounding the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Wing. The designs created by Howie were deemed ‘luxurious,’ and Nambudripad decided to divide the funds to the wings that needed the most attention. As Howie was not on the committee making these decisions, this was a losing battle. The new Obstetrics and Gynaecology Wing was not as non-threatening and easily accessible as Howie had hoped.
In quick succession, a number of events took place in Howie’s life. Firstly, in 1979 Howie receives the Companion of the Queen’s Service Order (QSO) for Public Services. Secondly, in 1980, Howie returns to New Zealand to have a growth on her jaw removed. In 1981, Howie decides not to return to Ludhiana. On the 10th December 1982, the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Wing of the CMC was opened bearing Howie’s name. After years of constant interaction and engagement with students and colleagues, Howie found the quiet difficult, so joined St. David’s Presbyterian Church that her parents previously belonged to. Knowing her work was not finished, Howie began to write a book for obstetric trainees, appropriate for the technology, and directed at caring for women and babies living in Third World situations.
Howie created a strong bond with the Bible and Medical Missionary Fellowship (BMMF), later called Interserve, in 1987. The BMMF developed a position of Medical Officer for Asia and Middle east in 1984 and looked to Howie to fill this vacancy. Howie was set to work in New Delhi, as Howie began to establish central health records for all BMMF missionaries. After trouble with her visa, Howie was moved to Cyprus, where the Head Quarters of BMMF was relocated. During this time, Howie’s book Practical Handbook of High Risk Obstetrics – for use where the medical need is greatest, and the material resources limited, was published. Sales flourished in Nigeria. In July 1988, Howie left Cyprus for New Zealand. In 1995, Howie was invited to celebrate the centennial celebrations of the Christian Medical College in Ludhiana, but was unable to attend. In 2000, she was invited to the Silver Jubilee reunion, in which she went.
In May 2006, Dr. Howie was presented with an Honorary Doctorate of Science from the University of Otago in recognition to ser selfless service to others.
References
Hill, Bartha. Teaching Hundreds to Heal Millions: The Story of Dr. Beryl Howie Medical Missionary in India. Auckland: DayStar Books Ltd., 2013
Date of Birth7th November 1924Date of Death1st December 2012BiographySolvitur Ambulando Cum Deo - It is solved by walking with God
Beryl Overton Howie was born on 7th November 1924, the only daughter to John Ruskin Howie and Gertrude Mary Howie (nee Stevenson), in Invercargill. Howie had a younger brother, John Stevenson Howie, who was born 27th May 1926 in Auckland. The move to Auckland occurred when Howie’s father received a promotion as a travelling sales representative – a job that continually dictated the families location. Howie was educated at Mangawhau Primary School and Epson’s Girls’ Grammar School, and attended Millie Sim’s St. Eden Presbyterian Church Bible Class. Howie felt that she did not know God, and wanted to become a Christian. Eventually she found a way to do this with the support of Sim’s and her parents. Howie wished to become a doctor, and through hard work she earned a scholarship to support her venture. Howie managed to pass her pre-medicine examinations at the University of Auckland, but this was after Howie had to repeat physics – her social calendar was particularly full during her first year, and therefore her study lapsed. After successfully completing the physics course, Howie made her way to Dunedin to attend the Otago School of Medicine. During this time, Howie’s father was offered a job in Timaru, and so the rest of the family migrated south. In 1949, Howie passed her examinations, and spent two years training in the Timaru Public Hospital.
During her second year at the Timaru Public Hospital, a visiting professor from Oxford, Professor Robert Macintosh heard that Howie was interested in applying for a postgraduate Diploma in Obstetrics. Howie was asked by Macintosh to study in Oxford. As Howie’s Aunty Peggy was married to John Stallworthy, senior consultant in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Oxford, she felt it inappropriate to seek a position there. Howie did apply, but sent her application to the Radcliffe Infirmary for a House Officer position in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, to avoid Stallworthy. After no response, she assumed she did not get a position. Howie continued on her plan of heading to the United Kingdom in 1952, in hope to get a training post when she arrived. When pulling into the Gibraltar Harbour on her way to the United Kingdom, Stallworthy who was on board another vessel yelled “Beryl! You’ve got the job in the Department – I’ll see you in Oxford!” In 1952 Howie started as a resident House Surgeon in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department in Radcliffe Infirmary. Six months later, she gained her Diploma of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (DRCOG). The next qualification Howie gained was in 1955, where Howie became a member for the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists (RCOG).
After returning to the United Kingdom after travelling to New Zealand for her brother, John Howie’s wedding, she was introduced to Peter Snell, who was working in the Physiological Department at the Christian Medical College and Hospital (CMC) at Ludhiana, Punjab in India. Although Howie believed her calling would be to serve in the China Inland Mission (China was quickly closing it’s boarders due to the Communist Government), Howie filled out the application to work at CMC in 1958. After participating in a number of interviews, Howie was requested urgently to travel to India.
Howie landed in Bombay on 5th January 1958, where she was ushered to board a train to Ludhiana. Although she had her own tiny compartment for the 36 hour long journey, she had no bed roll, no food or water, and a hole in the floor to use as a bathroom. Once Howie had arrived at Ludhiana station, she was greeted by the Principal of the Christian Medical College, Dr. Eileen Snow. Howie was directed to spend 6 weeks studying the languages of India, but had to choose between Punjab (local language), Hindi (national language) or Urdu (academic language). Howie decided on Punjab, as this language would allow her to relate to the patients she would be assisting.
Howie installed that every week departments would review cases, including deaths, to learn and engage with a variety of medical issues. Treatment of patients was considered a team responsibility, and it was the responsibility of a team when a patient passed away. After gaining formal recognition from the University of Punjab, CMC had an MD programme. Prior to this achievement, students would have to engage in postgraduate study in Bombay, the Unite Kingdom or the United States of America. The MD programme took an extra two years of study, and each student needed to present a thesis describing original research on a practical topic. Howie insisted on meeting with her students, to discuss their projects twice a week.
Near the close of Howie’s first term, the governing body of Ludhiana CMC decided that they would use their funds to pay Indian doctors, and all expatriate employees needed to source their own funding, salaries and expenses. After some discussions, the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand placed Howie on their payroll at the beginning of her furlough. During this furlough, Howie’s time was absorbed by Howie’s desired to qualify as a General Surgeon, completing the first part of the Fellowship of Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.
Howie returned to Bombay on the 4th March 1965, to find that there had been staff changes, including the appointment of a departmental secretary, which would provide Howie with some relief. The development of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department was at the fore of Howie’s priorities, as she thoroughly enjoyed supervising her students. 27 doctors completed their MD studies under Howie in a variety of areas. Two to three students sat their diploma examinations each January and October, and at least two students would gain MD and move to regional centres. The Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department was shaping up to be the model Howie envisaged.
Howie retuned to New Zealand in 1969 for deputation work, involving speaking to a number of schools and churches. Howie also prepared for the second part of the Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons examination, which she passed in February 1971. She returned to Ludhinan in winter, to be confronted with a warzone, due to the conflict of Pakistan’s Muslim and Hindu communities.
The Indian Government set up a national Post-Partum Programme to help mothers and their newborns. A similar service had been provided by CMC for over 40 years, but it was underutilized. Howie and her colleagues shared the idea to take mature women from their communities, and supplementing their life experiences of having and caring for children with basic instructions on the workings and provisions of a hospital. This included family planning, ante-natal care, care of newborn, growth and development, and the importance of immunization. These women were called “Lay Urban Health Workers,” (LUHWs), and it was proved to be a successful venture. In 1972, a number of experienced staff left CMC, but it allowed national doctors to fill the vacancies.
Howie’s plan for CMC always involved structural improvements, and did so within budget restraints. The dream was to create a new Obstetrical and Gynaecological Wing. After comprehensive discussions with her team, a plan was designed. It would cost over one million New Zealand Dollars to build. The New Zealand Government promised to supply $500,000 if Howie and CMC could fund the extra $615,000. By the time Howie had raised $100,000 in October 1976, the New Zealand Government stated that the $500,000 would only be gifted if the $615,000 was raised by 31st December 1977. Nearly to the day, Howie had accumulated the required amount. Construction on the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Wing could begin.
A few years earlier, in 1974, CMC appointed a the first Indian director, Dr. K. Narayan Nambudripad. Nambudripad was the former head of Neurosurgery. During the first few years in this position, Nambudripad was concerned primarily with administrative responsibilities, before drawing his attention to the plans surrounding the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Wing. The designs created by Howie were deemed ‘luxurious,’ and Nambudripad decided to divide the funds to the wings that needed the most attention. As Howie was not on the committee making these decisions, this was a losing battle. The new Obstetrics and Gynaecology Wing was not as non-threatening and easily accessible as Howie had hoped.
In quick succession, a number of events took place in Howie’s life. Firstly, in 1979 Howie receives the Companion of the Queen’s Service Order (QSO) for Public Services. Secondly, in 1980, Howie returns to New Zealand to have a growth on her jaw removed. In 1981, Howie decides not to return to Ludhiana. On the 10th December 1982, the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Wing of the CMC was opened bearing Howie’s name. After years of constant interaction and engagement with students and colleagues, Howie found the quiet difficult, so joined St. David’s Presbyterian Church that her parents previously belonged to. Knowing her work was not finished, Howie began to write a book for obstetric trainees, appropriate for the technology, and directed at caring for women and babies living in Third World situations.
Howie created a strong bond with the Bible and Medical Missionary Fellowship (BMMF), later called Interserve, in 1987. The BMMF developed a position of Medical Officer for Asia and Middle east in 1984 and looked to Howie to fill this vacancy. Howie was set to work in New Delhi, as Howie began to establish central health records for all BMMF missionaries. After trouble with her visa, Howie was moved to Cyprus, where the Head Quarters of BMMF was relocated. During this time, Howie’s book Practical Handbook of High Risk Obstetrics – for use where the medical need is greatest, and the material resources limited, was published. Sales flourished in Nigeria. In July 1988, Howie left Cyprus for New Zealand. In 1995, Howie was invited to celebrate the centennial celebrations of the Christian Medical College in Ludhiana, but was unable to attend. In 2000, she was invited to the Silver Jubilee reunion, in which she went.
In May 2006, Dr. Howie was presented with an Honorary Doctorate of Science from the University of Otago in recognition to ser selfless service to others.
“Quality Care with intermediate technology… is my goal”
References
Hill, Bartha. Teaching Hundreds to Heal Millions: The Story of Dr. Beryl Howie Medical Missionary in India. Auckland: DayStar Books Ltd., 2013
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Recollect CollectionWomen
Beryl Overton Howie. Presbyterian Research Centre, accessed 11/12/2024, https://pcanzarchives.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/114240
