Month: May 2024

Transkei and its series on heroes of medicine

Index Home I had never heard about Transkei till I stumbled on its postage stamps. This country does not exist today. When it did, except one, none recognised it. Transkei was not alone, there were four that swam and sank together. Together these were TVBC – Transkei, Venda, Bophuthatswana and Ciskei – the four so-called homelands… Continue reading Transkei and its series on heroes of medicine

Einstein gets operated and Nissen is his surgeon

Dr Rudolph Nissen on a special cancellation issued by Germany in 1996. Nissen left Berlin in 1933, never to return again

Index Home Albert Einstein In 1921, at 42 years of age, Einstein was a Nobel Laureate. He was a celebrated physicist, a genius, and a sought after speaker. The next year, he was representing Germany on International Committee on Intellectual Cooperation of the League of Nations. Based out of Berlin, he was touring around the world. In 1933,… Continue reading Einstein gets operated and Nissen is his surgeon

A Canadian and an Indian doctor who served in China

Index Home In 1931 Japan had occupied Manchuria, in north eastern China. This marked beginning of Japanese occupation of China. Six years later, in 1937 Japan occupied larger Chinese territory. Thus began Sino-Japanese wars from 1937 to 1945. This war was devastating, with large casualties on the Chinese side. The republican and communist Chinese sides were… Continue reading A Canadian and an Indian doctor who served in China

Siebold: A German doctor, who served Dutch, and lived in Japan

Index Home 19th century was an age of exploration. European powers were in unchartered waters, and their expeditions were now in far ends of the world. Rare breed of such explorers were doctors, who travelled far to quench their curiosities. Philipp Franz Balthasar von Siebold, or Siebold for this blog, was one of them. Born on… Continue reading Siebold: A German doctor, who served Dutch, and lived in Japan

Dr Schweitzer: A charismatic persona and an incredible journey

Index Home Dr Schweitzer lived for 90 years, between 1875 and 1965. He spent his life in turbulent times, and gained tremendous respect on either sides of the fence. With many unmatched talents, he was a philosopher, musician, physician, philanthropist and a human right activist. He also has an incredible postal presence, honoured not only by… Continue reading Dr Schweitzer: A charismatic persona and an incredible journey

Public health led modern medicine to embrace midwifery

Index Home Midwifery is an ancient profession. The word itself means with-women (mid=with, wif=women). Traditional definition of a midwife is a “woman, who is trained to assist other women in childbirth”. Tradition of women helping each other in childbirth is old. In almost all indigenous cultures, midwifery is a family tradition. Over the years, this tradition also passed on to religious institutions and congregations.… Continue reading Public health led modern medicine to embrace midwifery