Simon Baruch immigrated to the United States to South Carolina in 1855 at the age of 15, joining the household of Mannes Baum, an earlier immigrant from Baruch's hometown of Schwersenz, Germany, now a part of Poland. Baruch came to America with the goal of becoming a doctor. He had escaped military duty in his homeland; but with the conflict arising around him in America, he knew that military service would surely lie ahead of him. Upon graduating from the medical college in Virginia in 1862, he immediately entered the Confederate army, serving three years as a surgeon at the front in Virginia. In staying behind to treat the wounded in battle, he was twice captured, at South Mountain and at Gettysburg.

Our speaker this month is Jon F. Willen, M.D., an infectious disease specialist, practicing in West Hills and residing in Tarzana with his wife, Sandra. A member of the West Valley Civil Warriors, Dr. Willen has spoken for our Round Table on previous occasions. He is also an active re-enactor and chief surgeon of the 24th Virginia field hospital. He has produced two outstanding videos on Civil War medicine, one of which was presented at a previous conference of the Society of Civil War Surgeons.

Dr. Willen's multimedia presentation will summarize Baruch's experience as a Confederate army surgeon, as well as his numerous post-war contributions to medicine as a pioneering American physician.

Come join us to learn about the life and accomplishments of Dr. Baruch.

Janet Whaley
Program