University of Calgary Founders' Gallery

20 Oct 2023 - 3 Mar 2024

The Exhibit is now closed.

Blood, Sweat and Tears: Canadian Military Medicine This exhibit explores Canadian military medicine from the 19th century through to Afghanistan. Canadian stretcher bearers, medics, nurses, doctors, surgeons, and other medical personnel have been an important part of Canada's military commitments, and have saved countless lives. With over 138,000 wounded in the First World War, and over 53,000 wounded in the Second World War alone, military medicine has been critical and constantly evolving.

Technological advances will be explored, with much of the equipment used being displayed. Specific stories of men and women who have tended to our wounded will be presented, including personal artifacts and oral histories. The exhibit will cover battlefield medicine from initial first aid through convalescence and will have a major section on PTSD. There will be a strong art component for the PTSD section specifically, but art will feature prominently throughout the exhibit, alongside artifacts representing the full chronology.