Mary Angela Skelton, MD, a longtime pediatrician in Waverly, Tennessee, died at her home on July 1. She was 80.
Skelton completed her residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where she served as a fellow to neonatal medicine pioneer Mildred Stahlman, MD, who instructed her to organize a referral transport program for critically ill infants and babies, which was then nicknamed the “Angel” Transport System in Dr. Skelton’s honor.
The Angel Transport System began as a converted bread truck in 1972, which was outfitted with supplies and equipment that functioned as a mobile intensive care unit for Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt specifically designed for transferring neonates.
“Dr. Skelton was part of Dr. Stahlman’s early advancements in neonatal medicine and the concept of regionalization of care,” said Meg Rush, MD, MMHC, President of Monroe Carell and professor of Pediatrics. “Her project as a fellow was to build our transport capability so that high-risk babies born in other hospitals could come to higher levels of care.
“Tennessee was the second state to embrace this concept, which remains in place today because of this early pioneering work. Though she never actively practiced neonatal medicine, she remained close to the division of neonatology and served the children in her community in an exceptional way,” said Rush.
Dr. Skelton set up her own practice as a pediatrician in Waverly, where she diligently and tirelessly cared for children of all ages. She maintained that practice in Waverly for over 44 years and leaves a legacy as a conscientious physician who was dedicated to serving the community and helping improve the overall health of the children in the region.
One of her other interests were her pets — cats, dogs, goats and donkeys, which she kept close when at home. She could usually be found sitting in a chair with either a cat or dog in her lap.
Dr. Skelton graduated from Bishop Rosecrans High School in Zanesville, Ohio, in 1962, and then earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Premed from Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona in 1966. She graduated from Saint Louis University School of Medicine in 1970 and fulfilled her internship requirements in Portland, Oregon.
Born May 19, 1944, in Zanesville, Ohio, to James W. Skelton and Florence Lee Skelton, she is survived by a brother, Jim Skelton (Merrilyn) of Houston, nephew, Matt Skelton of Houston, longtime friend, Janice Oliphant of McEwen, Tennessee, and godchildren, Chris, Josh, Jimmy, Patrick and Scott McCoy.