“The Medical Center and Women’s Hospital” Kemnitz 1967
University of Michigan Graduation Gift
Victor C. Vaughn
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| Francis Collins |
God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.
Selah
Psalm 46: 1-3 (NIV)
I just finished a very difficult book, John Barry’s “The Great Influenza”. It is an epic story that details a megadisaster in this country and around the world. It is a document of the world at war with each other and an unknown pathogen. It is a document of failures.
The logical question would be “Why is it a best seller”? “Why has it been rewritten, updated and republished?”.
My answer, it is also a document of the dedication of medical scientists searching for the cause, preventive measures and effective therapy. The author tells the story of the “responders” and their missions and dedication. It is a story that connected to my educational heritage at the University of Michigan. It is story of the leadership of William Welch from John Hopkins and Victor Vaughn from the University of Michigan.
So how do we read this story today? Will we “win” or will we find that the struggle is the real story? Will we remember the losses? Will our failures lead to new dedication to address the unequal distribution of suffering and death? Will we learn deeper lessons of faith and healing? Who will be the person(s) of faith that will lead and inspire us? Is there another “Michigan answer?”
To be continued,
Marvin
References:
Barry, J. M. (2005). The great influenza: the epic story of the deadliest plague in history. Penguin.
Dr. Lewis — Pathologist gave life working to save lives
Navy and 'Great Influenza' Changed the World
NIH Director Francis Collins Wins $1.3M Templeton Prize
Hage, M. L. (2014). The Big Why.
Hage, M. L. (2012). Burdens and Benefits
