Leona Baumgartner Discusses her Trip to Russia

Dr. Leona Baumgartner at the WNYC microphone, 1960

This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.

Leona Baumgartner discusses her month-long trip in April 1958 to the Soviet Union as part of a delegation of six American physicians, which came after a delegation of Soviet physicians visited the US in 1957. She answers questions from the audience (reporters?). She draws three conclusions for the US:

1. A reappraisal of its [medical] educational system
2. Cut down on the lag in putting into practice what is known; Give research higher priority
3. Carry out a worldwide attack on disease

She mentions Van Cliburn's visit and other events of the "thaw".


Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection


WNYC archives id: 73844
Municipal archives id: LT8006