Dr. Saul Hertz and the Origin of Nuclear Medicine: Genealogy, Challeneges, Legacy

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Wednesday, January 17, 7:00 – 8:30 pm 
In partnership with the Jewish Heritage Center at NEHGS 
Presented by Barbara Hertz 
NEHGS, 99-101 Newbury St, Boston, MA

In the 1930s and 40s, Dr. Saul Hertz revolutionized medicine with his breakthrough research establishing the use of radioactive iodine (RAI) as the cornerstone of Nuclear Medicine. Used today, RAI is the Gold Standard of targeted cancer therapy. The son of Jewish immigrants, Hertz faced many professional challenges, especially anti-semitism, with his contributions being falsely recorded, omitted, and trivialized in medical history. More than eighty years since his research began in Boston at MGH and MIT, his story, achievements, and legacy are coming to light. Join Barbara Hertz for an illustrated talk on Dr. Hertz’s family’s origins in Poland, the social biases that impeded his due recognition, and how his medical legacy continues to this day. A special exhibit featuring research journals, vivid photographs, and correspondence as well as family heirlooms will be on display following the lecture and available for viewing through the end of March.