"The Making of a Renowned Doctor: The Early Experiences of Edmund Dipper (1871-1919)"/ Huang Tian 黃田 and Wang Yi 王怡

https://www.sciengine.com/CAHST/doi/10.3724/SP.J.1461.2024.02091

This article belongs to volume 8, issue 2 of the Chinese Annals of History of Science and Technology, 2024

Local access dig.pdf [Huang and Wang-The Making of a Renowned Doctor.pdf]

Abstract:

Dr. Edmund Dipper, a distinguished German doctor practicing in China during the tumultuous decades of the 1920s and 1930s, rose to near-legendary status during the Republican era. Yet, the historical trajectory leading to his acclaim remains shrouded in conflicting narratives. Dipper’s formative years demonstrate that his success in China stemmed from a multifaceted background encompassing education, religion, and military service. This was coupled with an unwavering commitment to excellence in medical practice and adaptability and resourcefulness in navigating cross-cultural settings. These factors allowed him to successfully avoid strife between church factions when managing the Faber Hospital. Furthermore, Dipper’s remarkable intercultural acumen enabled him to seize a crucial historical opportunity. By adeptly navigating the German Hospital through the repatriation of German citizens after China declared war on Germany in 1917, he not only preserved his own standing but also safeguarded the hospital’s key personnel. This strategic maneuvering laid the groundwork for his illustrious career trajectory. Dipper epitomizes a subset of Western doctors in China during this era, underscoring the imperative to further explore their nuanced historical contributions.