Norman Bethune
Canadian physician, medical innovator and humanitarian (1890-1939) · Canada · Doctors · Died at 49
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Something wrong?Henry Norman Bethune was a Canadian thoracic surgeon, early advocate of universal health care, and member of the Communist Party of Canada.
Also in Deutsch
Photos 9
The study of Reverend Malcolm Bethune (father of Norman) in Gravenhurst
Norman Bethune's birthplace, now Bethune Memorial House
Canadian Blood Transfusion Unit which operated during the Spanish Civil War. Dr Norman Bethune is to the right (c. 1936-37, Spain).
Norman Bethune in China with Nie Rongzhen (centre) and an interpreter, 1938.
Statue of Bethune at Wanping Fortress, Beijing
A statue of Bethune in Montreal's Norman Bethune Square.
Bethune Memorial House Visitor Centre in Gravenhurst, opened in May 2013.Awards
About this person
Henry Norman Bethune was a Canadian thoracic surgeon, early advocate of universal health care, and member of the Communist Party of Canada. Bethune came to international prominence first for his service as a frontline trauma surgeon supporting the Republican government during the Spanish Civil War, and later supporting the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) Eighth Route Army during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Bethune helped bring modern medicine to rural China, treating both sick villagers and wounded soldiers. He died from infection during an operation, prompting Mao Zedong to dedicate a eulogy to him. He remains widely commemorated in China today.
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