Breakthroughs in medical history and breakouts on Thomas Jefferson’s skin
Listen now:
In this episode we’re joined by guest Tegan Kehoe—medical historian and author of the fascinating new book “Exploring American Healthcare Through 50 Historic Treasures“—for an enlightening and personal discussion about George Washington’s dentures, Vitamin D beer, the tragic story of the Kennedy baby, and our firsthand experiences with advancements in preemie care.
But first, we talk about a medical treatment gone wrong with Thomas Jefferson’s nightmarish trip to soak in the therapeutic waters of Warm Springs, Virginia in 1818. He went there to cure his rheumatism, but all he got was a skin infection that nearly killed him.
Learn more about Tegan Kehoe at tegankehoe.com.
Sources:
Warm Springs, Virginia, Monticello.org
“To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 7 October 1818,” Founders Online, National Archives.
Patrick Bouvier Kennedy: A Brief Life That Changed the History of Newborn Care by Michael Ryan, RRT-NPS
