An independent Canadian knowledge projectPilot collection · EN / FR
Citizen.caCanadian knowledge, verified
Knowledge base/CA-K550
CA-K550History

Dr. Norman Bethune, surgeon and activist

Norman Bethune’s graduation photo, around 1922 (Library and Archives Canada).
Norman Bethune’s graduation photo, around 1922 (Library and Archives Canada). Norman Bethune graduation 1922 · Credit: Library and Archives Canada/PA-160708Copyright: Expired · Photo source · Photo licence: Public domain. Resized for display; item previews may be cropped. The image remains under the licence shown.
Factual accuracy review: No recorded challenge

No recorded challenge is not proof of accuracy. A challenge under review is not a finding that the item is false.

Norman Bethune made significant contributions to thoracic surgery in Canada and was an early advocate of socialized medicine. Embracing communism, he led a Canadian team that pioneered front-line blood transfusions in the Spanish Civil War, then served as a battlefield surgeon with Mao Zedong’s Eighth Route Army; after his death in 1939 he became a national hero in China.

Scope & context

Bethune as described in his designation.

Sources behind this record

1
Henry Norman Bethune National Historic Person ↗

Parks Canada (Directory of Federal Heritage Designations)

Importance; plaque text