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Norman Bethune

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Doctor

The Resume

    (March 3, 1890-November 12, 1939)
    Born in Gravenhurst, Ontario, Canada
    Birth name was Henry Norman Bethune
    Thoracic surgeon
    Known for his service with wartime medical units during the Spanish Civil War and Sino-Japanese War

Why he might be annoying:

    He said he grew up with a 'fear of being mediocre.'
    He became a committed Communist following a trip to the Soviet Union (1935).
    He died of septacemia (blood poisoning) after cutting his finger during an operation.
    Although he has been a hero in China since his death, he was largely unknown in his native Canada until the 1970s.

Why he might not be annoying:

    He was wounded by shrapnel while serving as a stretcher bearer in World War I.
    He designed dozens of surgical instruments, including Bethune Rib Shears, which are still in use.
    He established the first mobile medical unit to perform blood transfusions on the battlefield.
    China's highest medical honor is named the Norman Bethune Medal.

Credit: C. Fishel


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    For 2024, as of last weekly ranking, Out of 1 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2023, Out of 20 Votes: 40.0% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 2 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 26 Votes: 30.77% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 73 Votes: 43.84% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 26 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2018, Out of 135 Votes: 60.74% Annoying
    In 2017, Out of 5 Votes: 60.0% Annoying
    In 2016, Out of 37 Votes: 54.05% Annoying
    In 2015, Out of 8 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2014, Out of 13 Votes: 46.15% Annoying
    In 2013, Out of 8 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2012, Out of 19 Votes: 47.37% Annoying
    In 2011, Out of 68 Votes: 48.53% Annoying