The life of Eugene Braunwald: a remarkable journey that began in Vienna.
The life of Dr. Eugene Braunwald, who is without doubt the preeminent cardiologist of our time, represents a remarkable journey that began in Vienna, Austria. It took an early and decisive turn in July 1938 when his family was forced into exile by Austrian Nazism, ultimately settling in the United States. During his career Dr. Braunwald has provided unprecedented contributions to the theory and practice of medicine, foremost in cardiovascular research and clinical cardiology. Professionally, his pursuit of excellence continues in the roles of physician-scientist, academic teacher, editor and administrator. Personally, Dr. Braunwald's voyage came full circle in the summer of 1995, some fifty seven years after his emigration, when the University of Vienna awarded him an honorary Medical Doctorate. This article reviews Dr. Eugene Braunwald's remarkable journey from his childhood in pre-World War II Vienna to the current titles of Distinguished Hersey Professor of Medicine and Faculty Dean for Academic Programs at Harvard Medical School and Vice President of Partner's HealthCare Systems in Boston, Massachusetts. This essay is also intended to raise awareness of, and foster academic investigation into, the long-lasting implications of Austrian Nazism on the "Viennese School of Medicine".
Schlossmacher
M G
MG
Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. mgschlossm@bics.bwh.harvard.edu
D001317:Austria; D002309:Cardiology / Q000266:history*; D004641:Emigration and Immigration; D049673:History, 20th Century; D011056:Political Systems / Q000266:history; D012106:Research; D014481:United States