Medical Developments During the Great War

The First World War was a catastrophic time in human history marked by death, destruction, and suffering on an unprecedented scale.

The carnage of war meant the need to save lives and ease human suffering was paramount, and many medical and surgical innovations were developed as a result of trying to keep pace with the lethal business of modern warfare.

In support of the Dare to be Wise exhibition, Colonel Darryl Tong ED, RNZAMC, Professor of Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Otago, and a specialist surgeon for the Southern District Health Board, presents a brief overview of the major medical innovations that were developed during the First World War and how modern trauma medicine has evolved over 100 years.

Barclay Theatre