In Memoriam: Betsy McKinivan, MD
Catherin Elizabeth “Betsy” McKinivan, a long-time pediatrician at Health Source of Ohio in Milford, passed away on December 3 at the age of 74, following a long illness. She devoted her career to caring for patients and families in Ohio’s eastern counties.
McKinivan graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and completed her residency and fellowship at Cincinnati Children’s. Says Kurt Bofinger, MD, “I remember when Betsy was a resident. She evaluated a teenager with chronic knee pain that baffled both the attendings and orthopaedic consultants. She took the young woman’s history and learned that she was an avid equestrienne. Being a rider herself, Betsy knew something we city boys didn’t – that the knees are quite important in guiding the direction of the horse. A combination of rest, different stirrups and flaps, plus a modified riding technique put the girl back in the saddle, so to speak.”
McKinivan was known to her colleagues, patients and friends as a brilliant and dedicated physician who loved life and had a generous spirit. She enjoyed gardening and swimming, and she never stopped learning. Says Bofinger, “After her retirement, she was a regular attendee at Video Grand Rounds at the Anderson Mercy Healthplex. She always had interesting comments.”
McKinivan is survived by her partner and spouse of 40 years, Nancy Butterfield.
