Medical Care at the Battle of Gettysburg
Tonight’s program continues our look at the aftermath of battle in Gettysburg in July 1863. Dr. Richard Schroeder, a physician and Licensed Battlefield Guide, discusses the quality of medical treatment available, the shortages of physicians, and the care of the wounded at Gettysburg.
Through stories and photographs, he details the numerous field stations and field hospitals set up around Gettysburg, and the volunteers who supported the medical professionals as wounded men continued to fill buildings throughout the town.
Dr. Richard Schroeder has retired from a career in orthopedic surgery with a specialty in orthopedic trauma. While still in practice in western Pennsylvania, he became interested in the Gettysburg battlefield and studied to become a Licensed Battlefield Guide. Passing the exam, he drove across the state to conduct tours on weekends. Now retired, he has moved to this area, where he can offer tours throughout the week, combining his love of history and medicine in engaging talks.
Пікірлер: 15
Fantastic presentation. Thank you for providing the public with such informative programs.
@AdamsCountyHistoricalSociety
2 жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it!
Very informative about the medical treatment in the Civil War. Thank you for sharing!
Fascinating and well presented treatment of an aspect of the battle that we don't hear about very often. Great job Dr. Schroeder. 👍
Outstanding presentation. Had to watch it late but better late than never. Keep the content coming
Thank You
Thank you for another excellent presentation. It was very informative and interesting. I look forward to each new presentation. I have visited Gettysburg several times and hope to visit again. I am an 82 year old widow with some health limitations but there is always something new to see there. Sincerely, JF
Totally enjoyed this. Trained as an EMT I can appreciate the need for the first responders. It’s not an easy thing to decide who lives and who dies. But I’m sure if the Letterman Plan had not been put into service a lot more soldiers on both sides would have died. The fact that the doctors on both sides worked together is is a testament to the doctors who didn’t care what side you were on. They were human being who needed care and it didn’t matter to them what color uniforms they were wearing.
Nicely done!
Major William Watson, Surgeon, 105th Pa Vols., was an ancestor. I am looking at his picture (CDV) now, taken by Tipton. Major Watson "perfomed 50 amputations without leaving the table" at the Schwartz farm. He stayed after the battle, eventually working at Camp Letterman.
@richardschroeder2008
2 жыл бұрын
Dr Watson is buried in the older Bedford cemetery above PA Route 56 in his family plot. His father was also a physician in Bedford County.
@christophersmall1261
2 жыл бұрын
@@richardschroeder2008 Major Watson was the 3rd and last physician of the Watson "medical dynasty" in Bedford. Would you like a copy of his carte de visite taken by Tipton?
Since so many citizens had personal contact with wounded soldiers, do we know if civilians then died of “Soldier” diseases?
@richardschroeder2008
2 жыл бұрын
Tom. There were many health care providers who contracted serious infections or illnesses from the care of the wounded. Louisa May Alcott, the author of the novel "Little Women" had to be sent home after only a few months of caring for the wounded as she acquired typhoid fever. Nurses and physicians could acquire infections in their own cuts in the care of serious wound infections in their patients. Also civilians WERE susceptible to illnesses associated with the death and illness that filled a town such as Gettysburg for months afterwards.