Jetsanity's History Lectures: Rizal, the Doctor

Summary

In this episode, the host explores the lesser-known side of Dr. Jose Rizal as a skilled medical doctor. From his medical education in Europe to his practice in Hong Kong and exile in Dapitan, Rizal demonstrated immense dedication to his patients, offering treatment in various fields despite specializing in ophthalmology. He served people from all walks of life, including the marginalized, without charging fees when necessary. His efforts to promote science over superstition and his heart for the poor resonate even today, inspiring modern volunteer medical programs. Rizal’s journey highlights his versatility and humanitarian spirit as a doctor.

Takeaways

• 😀 Rizal was a highly skilled medical doctor, specializing in ophthalmology, with training in both Spain and Germany.
• 😀 His decision to specialize in ophthalmology was driven by his mother's cataract, inspiring him to become an eye doctor.
• 😀 Rizal was the only Asian eye doctor with European training in the 1800s, making him one of the best in Asia and the Philippines.
• 😀 Upon returning to the Philippines, Rizal opened a clinic in Hong Kong, treating many patients due to the rarity of eye doctors in the region.
• 😀 Rizal's medical expertise extended beyond ophthalmology, as he treated general medical conditions and even practiced dentistry.
• 😀 He was known for treating patients from all walks of life, including the poor, and often did so free of charge or in exchange for minimal payment.
• 😀 Rizal's medical services reached beyond the Philippines, with patients from nearby islands and even other countries traveling to see him.
• 😀 Rizal's kindness and dedication to his patients were reflected in his remote consultations, where his family relayed medical advice via letters.
• 😀 Despite competition from traditional healers (kums and alarios), Rizal promoted scientific medical practices through his work and writings.
• 😀 Rizal's legacy as a doctor extends to modern programs like 'Doctors to the Barrios,' which encourages physicians to serve underserved communities.

Q & A

Why is the statue of Jose Rizal in Kalamba City considered rare?

The statue is considered rare because it depicts Jose Rizal as a doctor, holding a doctor's bag, whereas most statues of him typically show him as a writer.

What was the significance of Jose Rizal’s medical career?

Jose Rizal was a highly trained ophthalmologist who specialized in eye care after studying in Europe. He was the only Asian doctor with European training at the time and was considered one of the best in Asia.

Why did Jose Rizal choose ophthalmology as his specialization?

Rizal chose ophthalmology because his mother had a cataract in her eye, and he wanted to find a cure to help her.

How did Rizal's education in Germany influence his medical career?

Germany was the center of science and technology during the 1800s, and studying there meant Rizal received world-class training. His education made him a leading ophthalmologist not only in the Philippines but also in Asia.

What was the role of Rizal’s clinic in Hong Kong?

Rizal's clinic in Hong Kong was the first place he began practicing medicine. His services were in high demand due to the rarity of eye doctors, and it became a hub where he treated many patients.

How did Rizal treat patients during his exile in Dapitan?

During his exile, Rizal became the only doctor in the area, treating a wide variety of diseases. He also traveled by sea to remote villages to provide medical care to people who were otherwise isolated from medical help.

What does the phrase 'remote control consultation' refer to in Rizal's practice?

It refers to the way Rizal provided medical consultations from Dapitan to his family in Manila. They would write letters detailing symptoms, and Rizal would send back prescriptions, which were then relayed to patients in Manila, a form of long-distance medical advice.

Why did Rizal promote science and technology during his time in Dapitan?

Rizal campaigned to promote science and technology in Dapitan to encourage the locals to trust scientific methods of medicine rather than relying on traditional healers, known as 'kums' and 'alarios.'

What was the outcome of Rizal’s medical treatment for his mother’s cataract?

Rizal successfully operated on his mother’s first eye, but the second operation on her other eye wasn’t as successful due to her non-compliance with post-operation instructions.

What significant medical event occurred when George Toffer visited Rizal?

George Toffer, Josephine Bracken's adoptive father, visited Rizal for treatment of his nearly blind eyes. However, despite Rizal’s surgery, Toffer’s eyesight could not be restored.