The Medical War

The First World War involved the mass enlistment of doctors, dentists and health professionals, supported by new networks of medical researchers at universities. The war introduced extraordinary medical conditions — such as disfiguring wounds, trench foot and trench mouth, venereal disease, and the viral epidemic of Spanish influenza — which prompted scientific innovations that had lasting affects on the practice of medicine. This event examines the medical response to World War I, and the changes that it introduced. It contrasts the responses from World War I with the approach to similar problems today.

With expert panel guests: Dr Warren Crossley, Royal Dental Hospital Professor Peter Doherty, Melbourne Medical School Professor Doug Hilton, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute Professor Sharon Lewin, Peter Doherty Institute

Moderator: Professor Kate Darian-Smith, School of Historical and Philosophical Studies

On this evening, you are invited to view Compassion and Courage : Australian Doctors and Dentists in the Great War. The Medical History Museum will offer extended opening hours from 5pm - 6pm on Wednesday 20 May to allow guests special access to the exhibition prior to ‘The Medical War’ which begins at 6.30pm at the Melbourne Brain Centre, Kenneth Myer Building.

Compassion and Courage: Australian Doctors and Dentists in the Great War is showing from 24 April at the Medical History Museum.

This event is part of the University of Melbourne ANZAC Centenary Lecture series