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Sawbones: Ignaz Semmelweis

An illustration of two blue snakes twisting around a radius and ulna bone topped with a handsaw coming off either side to form a caduceus staff. The snake on the left is wearing a red dunce cap and the snake on the right is wearing a red graduation cap. The background is a pop art style red to blue fade. At the bottom of the image it says “Sawbones” with “A marital tour of misguided medicine” written below that.

This week on Sawbones, it’s the fascinating, inspiring and infuriating story of Ignaz Semmelweis. You’ll learn how he discovered why it was so important for doctor’s to wash their hands and why it took so long for doctors to believe him.

Music: “Medicines” by The Taxpayers

Listen Now:

Transcript available here