Medical Center Releases 77th Evac Documentary

Nov 12, 2008

A new documentary produced by the University of Kansas Medical Center, Medicine Under Canvas, premiered at the Screenland Theater on Nov. 11, Veterans Day. The film chronicles the experiences of the 77^th Evacuation Unit in World War II. The 77^th, formed at the KU Medical Center and partially composed of physicians and nurses from the school, saw action in North Africa and the European continent during the war. Six surviving members of the 77^th attended the premiere with their families.

The documentary was produced and directed by Dan Ginavan and Maida Hulston of the KU Medical Center video production department.

Years in the making, this film chronicles for the first time the amazing story of the men and women of the 77^th, who set aside personal and career concerns to serve their country in the most sprawling war ever fought.

The unit included approximately 30 doctors from the Medical Center, roughly 50 nurses from Kansas City, and more than 300 enlisted men. In 1944 alone, the 77^th treated more than 35,000 wounded patients. Amazingly, the unit saw only one death from enemy action, in the Belgian city of Verviers.

"We are proud to count this incredible group as part of the Medical Center's rich history," Barbara Atkinson, MD, executive vice chancellor, said. "The story of the 77^th is one that needed to be shared with the Kansas City area and with the world, and I'm grateful to Dan and Maida for helping assemble this excellent documentary."

Ginavan said the project revealed the depth of the commitment possessed by members of the 77^th, to both medicine and country.

"It's such an amazing story, because these people dropped everything to serve a larger cause," he said. "We're very grateful that we were able to help share their stories, and we're honored that they were all willing to devote time to this project."

Copies of the documentary can be purchased at http://www.webmedbooks.com/kumed/. For more information, visit http://www.kumc.edu/ea/urelations/uvideo/77th_project.html or contact Dan at dginavan@kumc.edu.