Dr. Robert Dallek
Weill Cornell's Humanities and Medicine Program will present "Hidden Illness in the White House," with Dr. Robert Dallek, a presidential historian and professor of history at Boston University, on Thursday, Jan. 23, at 5 p.m. in Uris Auditorium.
In his high-profile new book, "An Unfinished Life: John F. Kennedy, 1917-1963," Dr. Dallek addresses recently uncovered medical records revealing that the scope and intensity of President John F. Kennedy's physical suffering and medical treatments were beyond what had been previously imagined. Among other things, from May 1955 to October 1957, President Kennedy was hospitalized nine times, for a total of 45 days. The book examines the extent of the president's medical problems, and the lengths to which he and his family went to conceal them. In the program, Dr. Dallek will raise many issues for discussion, including the meaning of illness in our culture, and the question of an individual's right to privacy versus his or her obligation to disclose potentially serious health conditions.
Dr. Dallek has served as professor of history at Boston University since 1996. He is the author of many books, including "Hail to the Chief: The Making and Unmaking of American Presidents"; "Flawed Giant: Lyndon Johnson and His Times, 1961-73"; and "Ronald Reagan: The Politics of Symbolism." Last year, he testified to Congress on the subject of the Presidential Records Act.
The Weill Cornell Humanities and Medicine Series, begun in 1999, offers programs that add dimension to the appreciation of medicine in a broader context, specifically as it relates to the arts and humanities. Along with contributions from outside speakers, the series will capitalize on the talents and interests of Weill Cornell students, faculty and staff to enhance the educational experience, and to enrich the community.