Vivian Carlsmith

Vivian Carlsmith, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. (1938/9 - 2013, Los Angeles, California), is a character on Private Practice. She was a world-renowned OB/GYN and a pioneer in maternal-fetal medicine. She was also Addison Forbes Montgomery's mentor. She passed away in 2013 of stage IV gastrocarcinoma.

Abilities
Medicine: As a world-renowned obstetrician-gynecologist, it is safe to assume that Dr. Carlsmith had above average knowledge of medicine, specifically in the fields of obstetrics, gynecology, and maternal-fetal medicine. She has also been described as a pioneer in maternal-fetal medicine, meaning that she was instrumental in developing the field to where it is today. She is known to have invented a technique to place a temporary place in the fetal trachea and published a paper regarding patients presenting with labor in Frank Breech and how to treat using the external cephalic version technique. The paper is known for containing describes that are so clear that it can be performed flawlessly.

Determination: Carlsmith stated that, during her OB/GYN residency, she was the only female surgeon of her class. Despite being tortured by the other male residents, she forged ahead, accrediting her strength to her mother.