Faye Robinson Doyle, Class of 1946

In many American communities, few individuals are respected as much and given as much responsibility as the family doctor. We expect our doctors to heal and comfort us when we’re sick, we trust their knowledge and sound judgment, and we appreciate their advice and wise counsel. The minister, the lawyer and the teacher also have places of respect in a community, but the doctor stands above all the others who provide service to their neighbors.

Growing up in Oxford in the 1930s and 40s, Faye Doyle surely admired the important roles that her father, Dr. Fount Robinson, played in the town. Following his example, she enrolled in Temple University Medical School at a time when few women became doctors. Not only did she learn her profession at Temple, but Faye also met another medical student there, Dr. Russell Doyle, who would become her husband and colleague.

Together, “Dr. Faye” and “Dr. Russell” returned to Oxford where they took over Dr. Robinson’s practice, providing medical care to generations of area citizens. They also raised a dynamic family of four children here, all Oxford Area High School graduates who have gone on to successful careers and numerous accomplishments.

After she retired from the practice of medicine Dr. Doyle turned her energies to the study and preservation of Oxford’s fascinating history. She was a founder, and the first and only president, of the Oxford Area Historical Association.In this volunteer job she devotes hours every week to planning historical programs.

Dr. Doyle also played a key role in the work which led to the designation of the downtown core of Oxford as a Registered National Historic District. And if you see a group of walkers, led by a guide, exploring Oxford’s Victorian-era homes and storefronts, you can be sure that Dr. Doyle had something to do with planning that tour.

— John Bradley