Henry Norman Bethune: A Surgeon, Revolutionary, and Advocate for Socialized Medicine

ノーマン・ベチューンは、カナダ人の医師であり、共産主義者でした。彼は、共産主義の理想のため、戦前の中国にわたります。中国共産党からは、非常に評価されている人物です。

Title: Henry Norman Bethune: A Surgeon, Revolutionary, and Advocate for Socialized Medicine

Henry Norman Bethune, a Canadian thoracic surgeon, left an indelible mark on the history of medicine and politics. His multifaceted career, spanning from the trenches of World War I to the frontlines of the Spanish Civil War and the Second Sino-Japanese War, reflects not only his surgical prowess but also his deep commitment to socialized medicine and revolutionary ideals.
Bethune's medical journey began during World War I when he joined the Royal Navy as a Surgeon-Lieutenant. Following the war, he delved into pediatric specialization in London and Edinburgh, where he laid the foundation for a career marked by innovation and dedication. His encounter with tuberculosis in 1926, a disease that plagued many during that era, prompted him to explore unconventional treatments. Opting for pneumothorax, Bethune not only defied conventional medical wisdom but also made a full recovery, showcasing his willingness to challenge the status quo.

The late 1920s and 1930s witnessed Bethune's immersion in the socio-economic aspects of medicine. As the Great Depression gripped Canada, he provided free medical care to the impoverished, urging for radical reforms in the healthcare system. His activism extended beyond the operating room, as he co-founded the Montreal Group for the Security of People's Health, advocating for socialized medicine in a time of economic turmoil.
Bethune's journey took an international turn in 1935 when he traveled to the Soviet Union to witness their system of universal free healthcare. This experience solidified his commitment to socialist ideals, leading to his embrace of communism and subsequent affiliation with the Communist Party of Canada. His ideological shift was further evident when, in 1938, he joined Mao Zedong's Chinese Communists in Yan'an, China.

In China, Bethune's contributions transcended traditional medical roles. He performed emergency surgeries on war casualties, established medical training programs, and brought modern medicine to rural areas. His dedication to treating all, regardless of allegiance, earned him the respect of Mao Zedong, who penned a eulogy upon Bethune's death in 1939.
Tragically, Bethune's life was cut short in the midst of World War II, succumbing to blood poisoning after accidentally cutting his finger during surgery on wounded Chinese soldiers. Controversy surrounds his last will, reflecting his deep connection to comrades and revolutionary causes.

Henry Norman Bethune's legacy extends beyond the surgical instruments he pioneered or the medical techniques he perfected. He stands as a symbol of a surgeon who dared to merge medicine with social justice, challenging the norms of his time. His unwavering commitment to providing medical care to the underserved, coupled with his revolutionary spirit, continues to inspire those who see healthcare as a fundamental right rather than a luxury.