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…
Einstein gets operated and Nissen is his surgeon
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Semmelweis and his struggle for a simple handwash
Index Home Washing hands is a simple, low cost, and an obvious health-promoting measure. Yet, we need not one, but two days in a year to reinforce its need. 5th May…