The history of physical medicine and rehabilitation as recorded in the diary of Dr. Frank Krusen: Part 2. Forging ahead (1943-1947)

Abstract

Presented here is a continuation of the story--as drawn from the diary entries of Frank. H. Krusen. MD--of the struggle to gain recognition for, and acceptance of, physical medicine as a medical specialty in its own right. It details the events, as described by physical medicine's strongest protagonist, between 1943 and 1947 that led finally to the establishment of the American Board of Physical Medicine. The millionaire philanthropist Bernard Baruch provided the financial resources that were required to establish academic and clinical programs in the field of physical medicine. Dr. Krusen was a key member of the Baruch Committee on Physical Medicine, which provided over sight for the newly created programs. His thoughts and sentiments concerning his role in the struggle, as he recorded them in his diary, are reported here.