Photo: WIkipedia.org
‘The hardest thing is to bid farewell to patients, friends and the city which gave me a lot of wonderful things and experiences,’ wrote Joseph Frank in his memoirs, when, after 20 years, he decided to move from Vilnius. His enthusiasm, innovative thinking, numerous activities and ambitious goals made medic Joseph Frank a hugely significant part of the history of Vilnius University.
On 23 December, to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Prof. Joseph Frank’s birth, let’s remember the merits of this prominent figure and his role in the evolution of medicine in Lithuania.
Known for Studies Reform
Joseph Frank and his father Johann Peter Frank (the founder of social medicine), were among the foreigners who were invited to become lecturers at Vilnius University in the 19th century. One might ask what made the father and son reject their careers in Vienna to pursue them in Vilnius. The proposal from Vilnius University could certainly be an important reason for making the final decision. The Franks were offered excellent working conditions and a good income. They were offered wages three times higher than other professors working at the university at the time.
Johann Peter Frank, who started working at Vilnius University in 1804, drew up a plan that defined which studies at the Faculty of Medicine should be reformed. Based on this reform, prior to starting their 6-year medical studies, future students were recommended to take a preparatory course of natural sciences to gradually proceed from simpler study subjects to more complex ones. This format later became the model for other universities in Tsarist Russia.
During the first ten months spent in Vilnius, Johann Peter Frank also established a clinic for therapy. It later became one of the best clinics in Europe and was managed by his son Joseph Frank. According to the latter, only the clinic in Berlin could match the clinic in Vilnius. As such, the Berlin clinic was the only rival to the therapeutic clinic in Vilnius.
Also in 1804, Joseph Frank, who had studied medicine in Goettingen and Padova, was elected as the professor of internal diseases and therapy. Thanks to him, the first medical journal Acta Instituti Clinici Caesareae Universitatis was published in Vilnius and the first scientific society was founded. Joseph Frank’s professionalism and innovative approach was illustrated through his research work, that attracted great interest in Europe.
Innovative Approach to Medicine In His Day
Joseph Frank was famous for his attention to the diagnosis of internal diseases by taking a holistic approach to symptoms, rather than one or a few specific indications. He believed that a physician should choose treatment based on this approach, not on the basis of just a few symptoms. It was innovative for the time and surprised other doctors. Eventually his excellent skills of diagnosis and successful methods of treatment convinced others that his approach was the most appropriate.
The professor also had the goal to connect the work of the Faculty of Medicine with public health protection, collecting statistical data on the illness and death rates of residents. In addition, he was the first to draw attention to the impact of climatic and topographic conditions on human health.
Joseph Frank also influenced the establishment of the Institute of Medicine, Vaccination and Maternity in Vilnius. Furthermore, the professor kindly shared his knowledge with other doctors during his leisure time and wrote Praxeos Medicae Universae Praecepta, which reflected the evolution of his attitude to medicine. Evidently, there was no other medic in Vilnius who could match the professor and the abundance of his ambitions and professionalism.
Joseph Frank's house in the Old Town of Vilnius, Didžioji Street. Photo: Wikipedia.org
Professional Life Was no Obstacle to Participation in Public Life
An accomplished communicator—fluent in French, German and Italian—Joseph Frank soon became popular in Vilnius and was welcomed at all events and gatherings in the city. He was erudite, with an excellent knowledge of, and proficiency in, literature and art. The house on Didžioji Street in Vilnius, where his family lived, became the cultural centre of attraction.
During this period, you could hardly find a anyone who had not heard of Joseph Frank’s love of music. He often organised charity concerts at his home. His wife, Kristina Gerhardi Frank—a famous soloist—would sing, and famous European musicians would perform. As one might guess, these musical evenings were much enjoyed and well attended by the nobility of Vilnius.
The money raised during these charity concerts was given in support of those in need and to treat patients. Therefore, the professor was welcomed not only by the elite but throughout society.
Short-tempered—a Blessing and a Curse
Joseph Frank was known not only for his great ambitions, but also for his short temper. He was demanding regarding himself and others. On the one hand this helped him reach his goals, but on the other, it sometimes caused additional problems.
In his memoirs, one can easily notice a lot of criticism and a scornful attitude towards his work colleagues. According to his contemporaries, Joseph Frank’s criticism was not always correct. It often emerged because of competition or differing views, and sometimes Joseph Frank used criticism to deflect from his improper behaviour.
Still, regardless of his irascible and unpredictable character, he was valued by colleagues and students alike for his scientific work. During Joseph Frank’s time as faculty manager, a number of doctoral theses were written and defended, and many professional practicing physicians and researchers were trained.