Retired Longview physician Dr. P.J. Peterson is one of those people whose life would make great book material. In a way, it already has.
Peterson, who attended Lower Columbia College in 1966-67, is using her retirement to unleash a lifelong passion for writing by authoring nine mystery novels, including one series whose main character, Dr. Julia Fairchild, MD, is loosely based on her own life. Though she describes Dr. Fairchild as being “smarter and more exciting” than her, Peterson’s own story is a page-turner as well.
After graduating from Kalama High School, Peterson (whose last name then was Kangas) wanted to turn her interest in science into a medical career. Her parents urged her to become a pharmacist, though she was more interested in practicing medicine. Peterson’s immediate challenge was where to attend college and how to afford it. LCC beckoned. “As one of six children in a family without a lot of money, LCC was the logical choice,” she said. “I also won $300 in scholarships, which covered my tuition and books for those three quarters.”
Peterson moved into her grandmother’s tiny apartment in Kelso and rode public transit to and from LCC. Being on campus all day turned out to be a fun transition to college.
“I spent time between classes in the student center because I didn’t have a car and couldn’t easily run back to my grandma’s apartment in Kelso,” she said. “I remember spending a fair amount of time playing card games, with players going in and out of the game as we left for classes. I loved going to basketball games and other after-hours activities, such as the school dances.”
Peterson excelled in the classroom, especially in English, chemistry and math. Even then, her aptitude for writing competed strongly with her math and science skills.
“I particularly liked (language arts) Professor Judith Irwin, despite her reputation of being tough,” Peterson recalled. “I remember her reading (aloud) one of my essays about a Labor Day riot at Seaside and wanting to crawl under my desk. I was quite bashful and didn’t like attention at the time.”
Peterson was awarded “Outstanding Student in Natural Science” as a freshman. The award
usually was reserved for graduating sophomores but went to her instead when her instructors
learned that she was leaving soon to attend the University of Washington. The move
to UW was prompted by her younger
sister’s decision to begin classes at LCC and there wasn’t room for them both at grandma’s
place.
Though her time at LCC was shorter than expected, Peterson said she was well prepared.
“I have always credited Lower Columbia for teaching me how to study, manage time, and be prepared for bigger classes down the road,” she said. “I think that had I jumped from Kalama High School (class of 52 students) straight to the UW, I might not have done as well.”
After earning her pharmacy degree at UW, Peterson decided to follow her heart and pursue a medical degree. She was accepted into medical school at the University of Utah, where she was among only four women in her class. After earning her internal medicine degree, she completed a residency in Dallas, Texas before returning to Longview for what she thought would be a six-month stint in 1979. Instead, she began a 37-year medical career serving the community where her college journey began.
Peterson remains connected to LCC, having served on the Foundation Board of Directors and as a financial contributor. She does not hesitate to recommend it as an excellent place to learn and grow.
“You’ll never be sorry that you spent a year or two at LCC,” she said.
“The quality of the education is excellent, the class size is much smaller than at a university, and the price is right. And it’s right here. Close to home."