Bacilli to books: The life and legacy of John Elmer Weeks

Abstract

The story of John Elmer Weeks (1853–1949) is as impressive as it is inspiring. Based on a New Year's resolution with a friend, Weeks decided to pursue a career in medicine and worked as a full-time mechanic to fund his medical school preparation and admissions process. The field of ophthalmology, and the study of medicine at large, has much to thank for that fateful New Year's resolution. From culturing the Koch-Weeks bacillus, the causative agent of a form of infectious conjunctivitis, to publishing a landmark textbook titled “A Treatise on Diseases of the Eye,” Weeks has left his mark on the study of ophthalmology and medicine. Despite all these accomplishments, what may be most impressive is Weeks’ admirable sense of humility. Dr David W. E. Baird, the Dean of the University of Oregon Medical School, wrote about Dr Weeks: “It would be well for every medical student and every young doctor to learn as much as possible about Dr Weeks and to emulate his high qualities.” This biography, based on Weeks’ autobiography and archival materials at the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), aims to accomplish Dr Baird's wish.