Polish Medical Science

Abstract

THE medical issue of "Polish Science and Learning" (London: Oxford University Press, 1944. 2s. 6d.), which is one of a series of booklets edited by the Association of Polish University Professors and Lecturers in Great Britain, is, its editors state, an attempt to lay a foundation for the future in collaboration with the scientific workers of other nations. The creation of the Polish Medical School and of the Paderewski Hospital in Edinburgh is, as Prof. Jurasz says in his article about them, a symbolic act, a practical demonstration of the determination of the Polish people to continue their national life in spite of all the sufferings of their country; and it demonstrates the existence of practical collaboration between two very different nations. It is perhaps difficult for some Englishmen to realize what hope and encouragement the creation of these two medical centres has meant to the Polish people. Already fifty-three students have graduated from the Polish Medical School. Many civilian students who are unfit for the Polish armed forces have joined it after leaving their schools in Great Britain, and others have got leave from the Army to continue their studies interrupted by the War, while some have gone there from the U.S.S.R. or after their escape from German prison camps. The Paderewski Hospital is devoted entirely to Polish patients and to the training of medical students and graduates. In addition to this hospital provision, valuable work has been done by a Polish sanatorium for tuberculous cases in Great Britain. Established at the end of 1942 at Gallowhill Hall, this sanatorium has now a capacity of one hundred beds and can carry out the best treatment. The majority of Polish cases of tuberculosis are, however, still distributed throughout British hospitals and Polish military hospitals. The percentage of tuberculosis, says Dr. Spitzer, is higher now among Poles in exile than it was in Poland before the War, so that there is urgent need of the developments which are contemplated.