Re: Dr Janusz Korczak
I was very happy to read the article introducing Dr Janusz Korczak to the readers of your journal [Dr Janusz Korczak and his legacy, BCMJ 2013;55:108-110]. It is very satisfying to see an interest in the life and legacy of Dr Korczak among the youngest generation of physicians and medical students. Dr Korczak, the great humanitarian, advocate of children’s rights, and pediatrician, has not ceased to inspire people who become acquainted with his work and philosophy.
I would like to thank the authors of the article, Martha J. Ignaszewski, Kevin Lichtenstein, and Maya Ignaszewski, for their efforts to bring the legacy of Dr Korczak to the attention of BC physicians in such an engaging and well-informed article. They should be congratulated on their extensive research and in-depth analysis of Dr Korczak’s major accomplishments and philosophy, and for their focus on his pioneering ideas. At the same time I would like to thank the BCMJ for supporting this initiative by publishing the article.
The Janusz Korczak Association of Canada has existed in Vancouver for the last 10 years, and during that time we have undertaken many charitable projects and organized lectures and seminars dedicated to Korczak’s teachings and philosophy (including a recent conference at UBC, organized in cooperation with the Faculty of Education). For more information about the association and its projects, please visit us at www.januszkorczak.ca. We are always looking for new members and supporters and we hope that some readers inspired by Dr Korczak’s legacy will contact us through the association’s web page.
—Jerry Nussbaum
President, the Janusz Korczak Association of Canada