Research Correspondence
The 1930-50s were a difficult period of time for Jewish doctors as they faced rampant anti-semitism at a systemic and institutional level. Dr. Saul Hertz, in addition to conducting high quality research, continued to face difficulties in his research institution with others claiming his discovery of radioactive iodine in treatment of thyroid disease. As you read the following, consider the frustration and time consumed in defending the recognition of finding another avenue of treatment for patients in need.
Clinical research data sheets of patients
Patient #25 and #26 documentation including correspondence letters
Patient #24 who was 9 years old - documentation including correspondence
Key correspondence
Some of the important letters detailing discovery and the scientific process that inevitably involves the coming together of various disciplines from medical physics, clinicians and other scientists. It is clear that others attempted to claim recognition of the work Dr. Hertz had pioneered.
Dr. Compton to Saul Hertz, M.D., December 15, 1936. In his letter, Dr. Compton details the possibility of radioactive iodine and marks the starting point of a new form of therapy in treating thyroid disease.
Dr. Hertz's Response to Compton's Letter. These correspondence clearly demonstrate that Dr. Hertz was the originator of radioactive iodine– both as an idea but also as a practical, realistic, and novel treatment in thyroid disease.
Dr. Arthur Roberts to Dr. John Stanbury, April 3, 1991. In his letter, Dr. Roberts indignantly discusses the misinformation provided and the need to set records straight with Dr. Hertz as the founder of radioactive iodine.
Dr. Hertz to MIT President Compton Suggesting New Research in Cancer and Developing a Course in Nuclear Medicine. As you read this, you can feel the palpable excitement in starting a new branch of medicine in treating some of the most pressing diseases of then and now.
Other research letters
While emails and other forms of communication in the contemporary era provide convenience, paper trails of research from Dr. Hertz era provide clear and thoughtful insights to the research process as well as trouble shooting.
John Lawerence USLA Berkeley to Dr. Hertz March 1946
Letter from Saul Hertz to Norfolk Medical News; A Hospital "Bill of Rights" September 1949
Stolen Intellectual Property Documentation: Hertz to Chapman January 6, 1946
Dr. James Mean Letter to Markle Foundation, verifies Hertz spontaneously posed pivotal question to Compton and comment on Dr. Mayo Soley's work
Dr. Saul Hertz to Editor Dr. Goldforb Dictated Letter by Robley Evans to include Robley Evans Name On the Paper for Publication See Dr. Arthur Roberts Letter to Dr. Stanbury April 1938
Acceptance letter to JAMA
Email from Dr. Eleanor Lin to Barbara Hertz commenting on Harvard Medical School Reception 1/23/2012
Dr Roberts to Dr Becker on Robley Evans Documented Inaccuracies for Credit
Letter from Means to Hertz, Contract Arrangement, March 1, 1939
Request for Hearing Regarding Dismissal; Beth Israel
Letter from Means to Davison: Referring to questionable denial of Van Meter Prize to Dr Hertz
Dr. Harvey Cushing, Yale, to Dr. Hertz, On Parathyroid Treatment, January 29, 1934
UN Atomic Energy Commmission to Dr Hertz, May 13 1949
Recent publications
Recent articles in publications commemorating the impacts of Dr. Saul Hertz on the field of nuclear medicine. In the context of recent leaps and bounds of theranostics, the articles look back at the future-gazing ability of Dr. Saul Hertz.
Journal of Nuclear Medicine - The Accomplishments and Legacy of Saul Hertz, MD (April, 2024)
World Journal of Nuclear Medicine - A tribute to Dr. Saul Hertz: The discovery of the medical uses of radioiodine (January, 2019)