School of Medicine Class of '43 Honored at HSLS Reception
On May 16, HSLS hosted a receptions, library honoring the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Class of 1943 as part of its 60th reunion weekend celebration. Five members of the class attended the library event.
Pictured are School of Medicine Class of 1943 alums who attended the reception. They are front row L-R: Ross H. Musgrave, Ralph M. Kniseley, and back row: Macy Levine, John P. Brandt, Thomas E. Allen.
The war years were an interesting and tumultuous time to attend medical school. University of Pittsburgh students were pushed through the medical curriculum in three years rather than four, as the wartime need for physicians mandated that vacations and summer breaks were cancelled. The students were considered to be part of the armed services, and had to combine military training (drills, marching) with their medical studies.
Class of ’43 alumnus Dr. Kniseley, Ralph M. was recognized at the library reception for his gifts, library donation,library of the 45 beautiful artworks, library displayed throughout the Falk Library. A lifelong painter and sculptor, Dr. Kniseley has exhibited his works in both one-man and juried shows. In addition to his commitment to artistic expression, Dr. Kniseley has enjoyed a distinguished career in nuclear medicine.
In conjunction with the library reception, an historical exhibit titled “Medicine, Medical Education, and the Second World War” is on display in the Falk Library through August. The two-part exhibits, library depicts some of the medical school and military experiences of the class of 1943, and various medical innovations developed as a result of wartime conditions. These include blood banking, malaria prevention and control, and antibiotic use (sulfa drugs and penicillin). The exhibit was researched and produced by HSLS librarian Barb Folb.
