Dr. Nusbaumer, standing 2nd from left
Oakland Tribune 1924 21924 3

Dr. Pauline Schweer Nusbaumer (October 16, 1858 – December 9, 1926) was a medical doctor, and served as the City Bacteriologist on the board of health from 1903 to 1915. 1,7,8

Dr. Nusbaumer studied at the Women's Medical College of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. When someone else was appointed in her place as city bacteriologist in 1915, the Oakland Tribune wrote a scathing editorial titled "Deadly Politics". 7

She was president of Western Laboratories, and an expert on pathology. 5 In 1922, she was elected president of the Alameda County Medical Association, the first woman to serve in that role. 6

In addition to various civic causes like raising money for Highland Hospital, Nusbaumer was on the board of the Soroptomist Club. 5

Her brother-in-law, Emil Nusbaumer, was a lawyer, and partners with George W. Reed.

Death and Legacy

Nusbaumer died after a two-month illness, and her remains interred in the main mausoleum (Section E, 56, T2) in Mountain View Cemetery. 5 She left $200,000 to her niece, Irene Schweer (Lawrence). Her estate included an 800-acre ranch in Pleasanton, a 1/2 interest in Western Laboratories, and some real estate in Oakland. 4

1910 California Register of Physicians and Surgeons

1907 directory

Links and References

  1. Polk Husted's Oakland, Berkeley and Alameda Directory 1915
  2. Speakers Rally for Hospital Bonds Oakland Tribune April 17, 1924
  3. Women Will Hear Water Supply Plan Oakland Tribune October 29, 1924
  4. Doctor Wills Niece $200,000 Oakland Tribune December 21, 1926
  5. Dr. Nusbaumer Rites Are Set For Tomorrow Oakland Tribune December 10, 1926
  6. Woman Elected As President By County Medicos Oakland Tribune December 19, 1922
  7. Deadly Politics Oakla​nd Tribune July 21, 1915
  8. Changes in the Board Oakland Tribune May 11, 1903
  9. Civic Leaders at Rites for Dr. Nusbaumer Oakland Tribune December 11, 1926
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