Ignatz Leo Nascher

Ignatz Leo Nascher M.D.

Patriarch of Geriatrics

Nascher's Life

-Born in the year 1863 in Vienna, Austria, but came to America with his family as a child.

-During his early public schooling his ideas were unappreciated by those around him, and was even doubted in the publishing of his book in 1914.

-At the age of nineteen, he received his first degree in pharmacy in New York City.

-A few years later, he completed his MD at the Department of Medicine of New York University, and began his own practice.

-Had 3 kids and a wife named Augusta Nascher.

-Passed away on Christmas of 1944 at the age of 81.

Back to the Basics

-geriatric: n. of or relating to old people, especially refering to their healthcare

(essentially the opposite of "pediatrics")

-Nascher coined the term "geriatric" from the Greek words "geras" meaning old man, and "iatrikos" relating to the word physician.

-This practice emphasizes the requirement for a special breed of knowledge when caring for individuals in which age comes with special vulnerability.

"Patriarch of Geriatrics"

-Nascher is described as the "Patriarch of Geriatrics" because he founded Geriatric Medicine in a way that people had never heard of before.

-At the time, people were blinded by ignorance with the belief that senility was the same as aging, when in fact they are two very different occurrings.

-Although senility ("going crazy") is something that can come with old age, they both need to be addressed in different ways, and one cannot be assumed by the other.

Why is this success?

My definition of success: A series of achievements that you've strived and sacrificed for, that eventually leave you with happiness and accomplishment.

Not only was Nascher able to use his talents and develop a new science, but he was showed apathy to those in need and stood up for those who aren't necessarily able to fight for their own rights. He also had a loving family, and had a way to support them monetarily.

Works Cited

How does this relate to success in my own life?

Hays, Joyce. "HISTORY OF MEDICINE." :Target  Health  Global. Web. 24 Oct. 2015. <http://blog.targethealth.com/?p=21991>

n.a. "Nascher/Manning Award." AGS Awards About Us The American Geriatrics Society. Web. 24 Oct. 2015.

Schoenberg, Randy. "Ignatz Leo Nascher." Geni_family_tree. 12 Jan. 2013. Web. 24 Oct. 2015. <http://www.geni.com/people/Ignatz-Nascher/6000000017147442394>

Achievements

-In addition to being the first to uncover the progressing need of sufficient care for the elderly, Nascher achieved some remarkable feats.

In 1914, published the very first verified medical textbook of geriatrics, Journal of the American Geriatric Society.

Founded the New York Geriatrics Society in 1915.

Named the American Geriatrics Society's honorary president at their first meeting in June 1942.

imrovements of treatment

Viewed old age as a time that cells decay and the body slows down.

For this purpose, the best way to help an elderly person is to bring them to their prior state of deterioration, so they can age properly.

This is the main physical difference between treating middle aged/young people and the elderly.

Why?

“Some are aged before they are old. Some are old, but they are not aged. “

-Dr. Nascher

-Nascher realized that the elderly could not be treated the same as young people, but they can't be made to feel powerless over their health.

-Went to school for pharmacy, but at the time there was no education in the geriatric field, so no one took him seriously.

-He was determined to spread awareness, and gave speeches about the topic at several medical schools.