"Dr. Priscilla", along with Dr. Caleb H.Y. Chu, "Chinese Hillbilly Doctor"
facilitated the development of Memorial Hospital in Manchester.
Priscilla Kao Chu, M.D., died Sunday, September 4, 2016, at her home in London, Kentucky at the age of 80.
Dr. Kao was born in Nanking, China, and as the daughter of a diplomat, received her early education internationally, proceeding to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania, with Phi Beta Kappa distinction. Her Medical degree was obtained on a full scholarship from Columbia University, following which she did her pediatric residency at the University of Chicago.
She was a Pediatrician for Kaiser Hospital in Oakland, Ca., for a number of years, after which she did consulting in Taiwan, where she met Dr. Caleb H.Y. Chu, "Chinese Hillbilly Doctor" in the late 1960's, and subsequently devoted her life, alongside Dr. Chu's, to serving the medical needs of the people of Eastern Kentucky.
"Dr. Priscilla", along with Dr. Chu facilitated the development of Memorial Hospital in Manchester. She actively served the Pediatric Medical needs of the community and retired following Dr. Chu's retirement in 1987, while remaining active in overseeing the scholarship fund established in 1981 to assist and encourage local students to pursue careers in in medically related fields.
She continued her local community involvement through her continuous participation in her local parish, St. William, in London, KY.
Dr. Priscilla Kao Chu is survived by her brothers, Raymond Kao, James Kao, sister, Alice H.C. Kao, many nieces and nephews and stepchildren: C. Perry Chu, M.D., of Claremont, CA, Phyllis Ching of Oroville, CA, Patricia Chu Clark, M.D. of La Jolla, CA, seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
A memorial service and funeral mass will be held on Saturday, October 1 at 11:00am at St. William Catholic Church, 521 W. 5th St., London, Ky.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to The Chu Scholarship Fund, C/O Teresa Davis CPO 2216, Berea, KY 40404, Berea College, Ky.