The New Prague Area Historical Society (NPAHS) hosted an event, “The History of Medicine,” Wednesday evening, Nov. 19, featuring Dr. Michael Wilcox, MD, as the presenter.
The historical society judged the event a success as a capacity crowd filled the Werner Giesen Bierstube room at Giesenbrau Bier Co. in New Prague.
Dr. Wilcox delivered a comprehensive presentation on 11 prominent physicians who practiced in New Prague between 1875 and 1975.
The esteemed doctors included Dr. J. Landenberger, Dr. W.F. Maertz, Dr. E.E. Novak, Dr. Charles Cervenka, Dr. Elmer Doherty, Dr. Elizabeth Reischl, Dr. Roger Rynda, Dr. John Cervenka, Dr. John Berg Jr., Dr. Carl Burkland and Wilcox. Wilcox shared the career achievements and personal anecdotes of these medical professionals.
Joining Wilcox in the second half of the presentation were Cervenka, Paulette Cervenka and Dennis Dvorak, who contributed their expertise on local medical history and stories from those who knew these doctors personally.
The audience shared humorous and heartwarming stories about the impact of these local doctors on their lives.
The event also featured a display of historic photos and artifacts, including medical bags belonging to Novak and Charles Cervenka.
For those who missed the event, a recording will be available on the NPAHS’ YouTube page soon. At the NPAHS website www.npareahistory. com, people can access an accompanying slideshow.