Josep Trueta facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Josep Trueta
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| Born | 27 October 1897 Barcelona, Spain
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| Died | 19 January 1977 (aged 79) Barcelona, Spain
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| Nationality | Spanish |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | medicine |
| Institutions | University of Oxford |
Josep Trueta i Raspall (born October 27, 1897 – died January 19, 1977) was an important surgeon and researcher from Catalonia, a region in Spain. He is famous for his work in medicine, especially for helping to treat war injuries.
Contents
A Life of Healing and Discovery
Josep Trueta was a proud Catalan. He believed Catalonia should have more independence. After the Spanish Civil War, he had to leave Spain. He went to live in England.
Helping During Wartime
During the Spanish Civil War, Trueta was the head of trauma services. He worked at the main hospital in Barcelona. In 1939, he wrote a book about treating war wounds. It was called Treatment of War Wounds and Fractures. This book explained his special "closed method."
This method used a new way to put on a plaster cast. It helped treat open wounds and broken bones. His ideas were very helpful during World War II. They saved many lives and limbs during different wars. The British Army even used his methods.
A Voice for Catalonia
While in England, Trueta was part of a group of Catalans. They spoke out about the situation in Catalonia. At that time, Spain was ruled by Franco. Trueta wrote a book called The Spirit of Catalonia. He wanted English-speaking people to understand Catalan history.
Working with Penicillin
Trueta also joined a team in Oxford. This team was led by scientists Florey and Chain. They were working to develop penicillin. Penicillin is a very important medicine that fights infections. Trueta was involved in the early tests of this amazing antibiotic.
Professor at Oxford
From 1949 to 1966, Trueta was a professor at the University of Oxford. He was the third Nuffield Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery. This means he taught about surgery for bones and joints. He also led the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre.
Return to Catalonia
When he retired in 1966, he went back to Catalonia. He returned with his wife, Amèlia. They are both buried in Santa Cristina d'Aro.
Today, the main hospital in Girona is named after him. It is called the Josep Trueta University Hospital. Many streets in Catalonia are also named after him. Every year, the government of Catalonia gives out Trueta medals. These awards honor people and groups who do great work in medicine.
See also
In Spanish: Josep Trueta para niños
