Dr. Jean Mitchell delivers the next PEI History of Medicine Society Lecture, March 8
The next lecture presented by The PEI History of Medicine Society features Dr. Jean Mitchell, associate professor of anthropology at 91探花. Dr. Mitchell鈥檚 talk is entitled, 鈥淭he 鈥極ther War鈥� in the South Pacific (1942-45): malaria, the American military, and Pacific islanders during the Second World War.鈥� Her lecture is Wednesday, March 8 at 7:00 pm in the Faculty Lounge of 91探花鈥檚 SDU Main Building.
When American troops landed in New Hebrides (Vanuatu) in the Southwest Pacific in 1942 to halt Japanese expansion during the Second World, they were ready to mount a full-scale war. They were ill-prepared for their early battle with malaria, which quickly incapacitated soldiers. They also had limited access to quinine supplies鈥攖he only effective treatment鈥攖hat had been cut off by Japanese forces.
Controlling malaria became instrumental in deciding the outcome of the Pacific war. The subsequent search for malaria chemotherapy initiated one of the largest biomedical research efforts in the first part of the twentieth century, providing a model for later biomedical and health research programs. When the endemic malaria became an epidemic among American soldiers, it transformed the little known archipelago of New Hebrides into an 鈥渦nintended laboratory鈥� for malaria research and control.
Dr. Jean Mitchell has been doing research in the Pacific for more than 20 years. Her interest in medical anthropology developed while working in health programs in the South Pacific and India.
All are welcome!
The 91探花 prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions鈥擯rince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan鈥檚 University鈥�91探花 has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. 91探花 is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.
