Jo Ellen Hoth '62 named Girl Scout 2013 Woman of Distinction

Local physician JoEllen Hoth will be recognized July 19 at the Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois' Woman of Distinction celebration.

The honor recognizes a member of the community who represents the ideals of scouting.

The recipient's deeds and work fulfill the organization's mission to instill courage and confidence in young women to make the world a better place.

Hoth was raised in Cedar Rapids with a twin brother. Befitting their Bohemian and Scottish heritage, to this day she enjoys a good meal of roast pork, sauerkraut and boiled potato dumplings with kolaches as a favorite sweet treat.

Graduating valedictorian from Cedar Rapids Washington High School, she went on to study at Grinnell College. During her sophomore year, she became interested in medicine. And the next year she passed the necessary boards and was admitted to the University Of Iowa College Of Medicine -- one of only 10 women among the 120 students accepted. Today that ratio is closer to 50 percent.

Before she left Grinnell, though, she met with the dean and convinced him to award her a bachelor's degree once she received her medical degree.