This exhibit tells the stories of doctors, nurses and other medical personnel who honored their professional oath and ideals through their efforts on behalf of their fellow men and women in humanitarian crises.
The stories of rescue profiled in this exhibit span more than a century, took place throughout the world, and include our current COVID-19 public health crisis. Some rescuers worked with a population whose medical needs had long been treated with indifference. Others filled the void created when most of the members of a medical community fled impending danger for safety. In most cases, rescue took place despite strong hostility and threats from those in power.
The medical ethics of some of the rescuers in this exhibit were reinforced by strong religious, moral or political beliefs. In every case, however, these medical personnel made the choice—repeatedly—to risk their personal well-being, and often their lives, to protect and relieve the suffering of people who had nowhere else to turn.
The exhibit was developed by the UNI Center for Holocaust and Genocide Education, and has been made possible through a gift in the name of Drs. Melville and Judith Finkelstein of Cedar Falls, Iowa.