Friday, July 22, 2011

What is your name sir?...Ignaz

Loreen Herwaldt (and thanks to John Boyce) just forwarded along this cinematic depiction of Ignaz Semmelweis and his early investigations into the benefits of hand hygiene. The piece was written/directed by Jim Berry at NYU back in 2001 and funded by a Sloan Foundation grant for scripts featuring positive depictions of scientists. The film is a bit graphic/realistic. 

My favorite quote is from the mother pictured above: "You have a gentle touch sir, I want you to be my baby's namesake. What is your name, sir?"  A: "Ignaz"

Another moving section:  Semmelweis: "I believe that this practice will save lives."  Senior physician: "but this is not our way, at this hospital, doctor, we must be unbending in our practice."

The film is available for viewing on the Sloan Science and Film website (here)
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