Lucie Adelsberger

Lucie adelsberger in 1920 low res

Lucie Adelsberger (1895–1971) was a prominent German immunologist and pediatrician known for her significant contributions to medicine and her harrowing experiences during the Holocaust. Born in Germany, Adelsberger's medical career was profoundly impacted by the rise of the Nazi Party, which led to her eventual deportation to Auschwitz concentration camp. Despite the atrocities she faced, Adelsberger's work and legacy continue to influence the fields of immunology and pediatrics.

Early Life and Education

Lucie Adelsberger was born in 1895 in Germany. She pursued her passion for medicine at a time when female physicians were a rarity. Adelsberger completed her medical studies at a German university, where she specialized in pediatrics and immunology. Her early work focused on the immune responses in children and contributed to the foundational knowledge in these fields.

Career

Before the rise of the Nazi regime, Adelsberger established herself as a respected physician and researcher. She worked in a hospital setting, focusing on pediatric care and immunological research. Her work was pioneering for the understanding of immune diseases in children and laid the groundwork for future advancements in these areas.

Nazi Persecution and Auschwitz

With the rise of the Nazi Party and the implementation of the Nuremberg Laws, Adelsberger, being Jewish, faced increasing persecution. In 1943, she was deported to Auschwitz, where she was forced to work as a physician under unimaginable conditions. During her time in Auschwitz, Adelsberger used her medical knowledge to help save the lives of fellow prisoners, often risking her own life to do so. Her experiences in the concentration camp were later detailed in her memoirs, providing a poignant insight into the horrors of the Holocaust and the resilience of the human spirit.

Post-War Life and Legacy

After the liberation of Auschwitz, Adelsberger returned to Germany and then moved to the United States, where she continued her work in pediatrics and immunology. Despite the trauma she endured, she remained dedicated to her medical practice, contributing to her fields of specialization until her retirement.

Adelsberger's legacy is marked by her contributions to medicine, her survival and testimony of the Holocaust, and her role as a pioneer for women in the medical profession. Her memoirs serve as an essential document for understanding the impact of the Holocaust on individuals and the medical community.

Selected Works

• Memoirs of a Jewish physician in Auschwitz - Lucie Adelsberger's memoirs provide a detailed account of her experiences during the Holocaust, offering invaluable insights into the daily lives and struggles of prisoners in Auschwitz.

See Also

• Holocaust
• Immunology
• Pediatrics
• Nazi Party
• Auschwitz