Summary of "Behind the Scenes Minis: Law and Medicine" Episode

Podcast Information:

• Title: Stuff You Missed in History Class
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
• Description: Join Holly and Tracy as they bring you the greatest and strangest Stuff You Missed In History Class in this podcast by iHeartRadio.
• Episode: Behind the Scenes Minis: Law and Medicine
• Release Date: February 14, 2025

Introduction

In the "Behind the Scenes Minis: Law and Medicine" episode of Stuff You Missed in History Class, hosts Holly Fry and Tracy B. Wilson delve into the intricate interplay between legal frameworks and medical advancements in American history. The episode, released on February 14, 2025, offers listeners a nuanced exploration of pivotal legal cases and influential medical professionals, shedding light on how law has shaped medical practice and vice versa.

Discussion on United States v. Wong Kim Ark

The episode begins with a deep dive into the landmark Supreme Court case United States v. Wong Kim Ark. Tracy discusses the complexities of keeping up with ongoing legal debates surrounding the case, emphasizing the challenges posed by the rapid influx of new commentaries and legal arguments.

• Tracy B. Wilson [02:23]: "We could not keep up with everything about it as I was researching it."

Holly and Tracy highlight the case's significance in affirming birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment, particularly in the context of increasing racial tensions and legal precedents that were not always supportive of equality.

• Holly Fry [04:04]: "They know that this is something that not everybody sides with, and they want to be able to protect people with just a mass of paperwork and precedent examples."

Supreme Court's Racial Context and Justices' Roles

A substantial portion of the discussion centers on the Supreme Court's historical stance on racial issues, especially how past justices influenced decisions that impacted civil rights.

• Tracy B. Wilson [05:17]: "While I do not necessarily like the content of old Supreme Court decisions, sometimes I do like reading the old Supreme Court decisions."

The hosts examine the role of Justice John Marshall Harlan, known for his dissents in cases unfavorable to racial equality, contrasting him with Justice Stephen J. Field, who some sources suggest supported birthright citizenship. They explore the complexities and possible inconsistencies in these justices' stances.

• Tracy B. Wilson [05:43]: "It was not a situation where I could go and look up the entire scope of his previous career as a Supreme Court Justice."

Historical Comparisons: Plessy v. Ferguson and Chae Chong Ping v. United States

Tracy draws parallels between Wong Kim Ark and other significant cases like Plessy v. Ferguson, which upheld racial segregation, and Chae Chong Ping v. United States. These comparisons underscore the Court's evolving, yet often contradictory, interpretations of the Constitution regarding race and citizenship.

• Tracy B. Wilson [07:34]: "Like, Plessy versus Ferguson, establishing that segregation was constitutional, like, that was also part of, I think, the same court."

Influential Medical Figures: Daniel Hale Williams and Vivian Thomas

Transitioning to the medicine sector, Holly and Tracy explore the lives and contributions of pioneering African American medical professionals. They focus on Daniel Hale Williams III, one of the first black surgeons to perform open-heart surgery, and Vivian Thomas, a surgical technician who made significant strides in medical procedures despite not holding a formal medical degree.

• Tracy B. Wilson [15:56]: "There are several books about him that are children's books. A couple of them have the name Dr. Dan in the title."

The hosts discuss the challenges Williams faced during his career, including racial segregation and professional opposition, drawing comparisons to Vivian Thomas's later experiences in a more explicitly segregated era.

• Tracy B. Wilson [18:56]: "Vivian Thomas came along decades later and is kind of an example of how, like, shifts in the world and segregation specifically."

Research Challenges and Historical Bias

Tracy emphasizes the difficulties in researching historical figures like Williams, noting the scarcity of first-person accounts and the prevalence of biased narratives that often overshadow factual histories.

• Tracy B. Wilson [22:52]: "I wish I had had more, like, first person accounts of what Daniel Hill Williams life was like, what his relationship with his mother was like."

The discussion includes an analysis of Helen Buckler's 1954 biography of Williams, highlighting the racial barriers she faced while researching a black surgeon and the subsequent challenges in publishing accurate historical accounts.

• Tracy B. Wilson [17:09]: "The forward of this book is really interesting because it talks about her own experiences of basically crossing a color barrier to learn about him."

Personal Reflections and Ethical Considerations

Holly and Tracy share personal insights into the ethical dilemmas faced by medical professionals within the legal system, touching upon the necessity of impartial legal representation regardless of a person's actions.

• Tracy B. Wilson [10:14]: "Everyone is entitled to competent legal representation no matter what they have done."

They reflect on the tension between personal beliefs and professional obligations, illustrating how legal requirements often necessitate a detached approach to justice.

Closing Thoughts

In concluding the episode, Holly and Tracy reiterate the importance of understanding the historical context of legal and medical advancements. They emphasize the enduring impact of past decisions on present-day practices and societal norms.

• Tracy B. Wilson [33:58]: "We are recording all these at least two weeks ahead of when the weekend is coming. So I have no idea what's happening in the world on this Friday of our Friday behind the Scenes."

They tease upcoming episodes, including a Saturday Classic segment on William Montague Cobb, promising continued exploration of influential figures who shaped American history.

Notable Quotes

• Tracy B. Wilson [03:53]: "Yeah. It's building a house on shifting sand. Like, there's always gonna be some key element that emerges that we didn't include."
• Holly Fry [08:27]: "Not that it would ever be a thing I could do, but every time we talk about the Supreme Court and a decision and dissenters, I just know I could never be a judge on the Supreme Court because I couldn't, like, go to work with those people the next day and be cool."
• Holly Fry [25:01]: "Emma Reynolds was. Graduated. Was accepted into that first class of nursing students. She graduated from the nursing program at Providen 1893. From there, she went on to Medical College of Chicago. And she earned a medical degree there in 1895."

Conclusion

The "Behind the Scenes Minis: Law and Medicine" episode of Stuff You Missed in History Class offers a comprehensive look at the intersection of legal decisions and medical progress in American history. Through thoughtful analysis and engaging dialogue, Holly and Tracy provide listeners with a deeper understanding of how historical contexts have shaped contemporary issues in law and medicine.

Listen to the Episode: For those interested in exploring the full discussion, the episode is available on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.