Born in the 1920s, at a time when it was unusual for women to pursue certain careers, Patricia Crowther, encouraged by a supportive family, breaks with convention in her desire for a career in medicine.To what extent will her plans be affected by the Second World War? Will she find work in a male-oriented profession? How will she fare when she takes her courage in both hands and crosses the Atlantic Ocean in pursuit of work?Sustained by an independent spirit, developed within her family life with its encouragement of education, responsibility and values, will she be successful in the comparatively new fields of child psychiatry and mental health? What will be the lasting effects of a lifetime of devoted service?