Art and Medicine in Terezin

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Friends of the Ehrman Medical Library in conjunction with the NYU Health Science Libraries are sponsoring a unique exhibition depicting the practice of medicine in one of the most notorious "ghettoes" of World War II.

Terezin (or Theriesenstadt) served as a "model camp," infamously shown to visitors who were impressed by the seemingly decent living conditions. But the inmates knew all too well its sinister alter-ego as a transfer point: a limbo between their former lives and their ultimate fate.

Some of the imprisoned physicians, as well as other artists, strove to record the harsh environment in which they practiced their craft and we are fortunate to have a glimpse into the hardship they endured. Their artwork serves as a testament to their determination to preserve a bit of their experience so that future generations may not have to suffer as they did.

Dr. Michael Nevins, who curates this exhibit, was raised in New York City and practiced internal medicine/cardiology for four decades in northern New Jersey. He has written several books about aspects of medical history, especially Jewish medical history.

This exhibit, which contains work by four physicians as well as by other prisoners, runs from September 24, 2009 through October 19, 2009 in the MSB gallery. An opening reception and lecture by Dr. Nevins will take place on September 24, 2009 at 5:30 PM. Dr. Nevins also will sign copies of his most recent books, Jewish Medicine: What it is and Why it Matters and A Tale of Two "Villages": Vineland and Skillman, NJ.