Norman Bethune

Norman Bethune was a Canadian physician who promoted universal access to health care and created the first mobile blood collection and distribution system, the precursor to MASH units. He was also a member of the Communist Party of Canada and supported the Republican forces in the Spanish Civil War and the Chinese Communist Party in the Second Sino-Japanese War. He was born in Gravenhurst, Ontario, in 1890 and studied medicine at the University of Toronto. He served as a medical officer in the First World War and later became a thoracic surgeon, specializing in tuberculosis. He developed or improved several surgical instruments and techniques, such as the Bethune Rib Shears and the Bethune Pneumothorax Needle. He was also an advocate of socialized medicine and public health reforms in Canada. He joined the Communist Party of Canada in 1935 and travelled to the Soviet Union to observe their health care system. He was inspired by their achievements and became a vocal critic of capitalism and fascism. In 1936, he went to Spain to offer his medical services to the Republican side in the Spanish Civil War. He established the first mobile blood-transfusion service, which delivered blood to the front lines and saved many lives. He also trained other medical personnel and wrote dispatches for Canadian newspapers. He returned to Canada in 1937 and raised funds and awareness for the Spanish cause. He also wrote a pamphlet titled Wounds, which denounced the horrors of war and fascism. In 1938, he left Canada again to serve as a surgeon with the Chinese army in its war with Japan. He organized field hospitals and medical schools, and treated both wounded soldiers and sick villagers. He helped bring modern medicine to rural China and became a national hero. He died of blood poisoning in 1939, after accidentally cutting his finger while operating on a soldier. He was buried in China and his grave became a national monument. He was praised by Mao Zedong, who wrote a famous eulogy for him. He was also honoured by the Canadian government and various international organizations for his humanitarian work. He is widely regarded as a symbol of selflessness, courage, and internationalism.