Revisiting psychiatric support for the National Socialist Agenda in Germany: Implications for medical and residency training

Abstract

The transition of power from a failing Weimer Republic to the National Socialist (Nazi) government was characterized by many economic and politically-motivated changes. Economic crises and the overcrowding of psychiatric hospitals in Germany were the setting for these events. The eugenics movement, although not unique to Germany in the 1920s, would eventually culminate in the compulsory sterilization, euthanasia, and extermination in concentration camps. Historical accounts tend to focus on political and military leaders with the role of medical professionals often overlooked or forgotten. Additionally, there are connections between these programs and medical research. This article aims to elucidate the factors that influenced their role in this historical tragedy and their current implications on how physicians train, learn, and practice role of the medical professionals.

Comparisons between health care practices in Nazi Germany and the current United States

“…In the commentary Revisiting Psychiatric Support for the National Socialist Agenda in Germany: Impli cations for medical and residency training, 1 the authors note similarities between horrible practices in Nazi Germany and what seems to be creeping up on us in the United States. I agree with many of the points made by the authors.…”