Abraham Verghese, Stanford University
College of Physicians of Philadelphia (Philadelphia, PA)
Hugh Trevor-Roper, the distinguished historian, in a famous essay disparages the role physicians have played in politics. "We can easily read a whole library of history without encountering the name of a single medical doctor, so modest and inconspicuous are the physicians of the body." This talk will highlight memorable exceptions: Joseph Guillotin (French Revolution), Benjamin Rush, Mariano Azuela (Mexican Revolution), Frantz Fanon in Algeria, and "Che" Guevara in Cuba. The causes for which they risked their lives can be seen as an extension of their medical conscience and of the fiduciary relationship between physician and the patient.
Abraham Verghese, MD, MACP, is Professor and Linda R. Meier and Joan F. Lane Provostial Professor, and Vice Chair for the Theory and Practice of Medicine at the School of Medicine at Stanford University. He is also a critically acclaimed, best-selling author and a physician with an international reputation for his focus on healing in an era where technology often overwhelms the human side of medicine.
This event is FREE to the public thanks to American Philosophical Society, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Department of Surgery, and The College of Physicians of Philadelphia.
A pre-lecture reception will begin at 5:45PM, including book signings by Dr. Verghese, followed by the lecture at 7:00PM.
Please register beforehand to ensure admission to the event. Space is limited.