Dr Agnes Nersessian, a veteran of the New Guinea campaign as a member of the Army Medical Corps, has returned to Norwood to resume her practice of medicine at the office of the late Dr. M. B. Robinson at 2 George street.
Dr Nersessian was the first woman doctor to arrive in New Guinea at a time when the Japanese had control of two-thirds of the island and the battle for its ultimate control was just as hot as its climate. New Guinea, the second largest island in the world, is a land of jungle where only headhunters live, the temperature varies from 100 to 140 degrees and it is summer all year round.
Dr. Nersessian worked with Field and General hospitals in New Guinea, caring for shellshocked soldiers coming from the battle fronts in the jungle. She was stationed in Milne Bay, Oro Bay, and Finschahen in New Guinea, She also visited New Britain and passed through New Hebrides and the Solomon Islands.
Prior to Her overseas service, she was a neuropsychiatrist at Lawson-General Hospital, Atlanta, Ga., and Camp Van Dorn, Mississippi. Upon her return to the States, she was stationed at the U. S. Army General Hospital, Camp Edwards. During her entire service, she treated men patients only.
After three years of service, Dr Nersessian was honorably discharged in April with the following decorations: American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with one Battle Star, and World War II Victory Medal.
Dr. Nersessian is a member of the Norwood Hospital staff and the New England Hospital for Women and Children in Boston.
(All articles originally published in the Norwood Messenger)