Tadeusz Stępniewski: Polish dermatologist and “Righteous Among the Nations”

This presentation presents the life and career of Tadeusz Stępniewski (1905-1987), a Polish dermatologist awarded the title "Righteous Among the Nations" for his bravery saving Jews during the Holocaust, collates information about other dermatologists who have also received the title and reflects on the place of virtue in the profession. Various sources were used to provide information about Stępniewski, including copies of materials held by the Archives Department of Yad Vashem, Israel's Holocaust memorial authority. At the outbreak of World War II, Stępniewski had a private dermatology practice in central Warsaw and was affiliated with the Skin and Venereal Diseases Clinic at the University of Warsaw. During the German occupation, he assisted Jews by helping them escape from the Warsaw ghetto, hiding them in various locations, providing dermatologic care and other medical treatments, contributing to an underground medical publication, and giving financial aid. Stępniewski is one of seven dermatologists who have received the Righteous Among the Nations title. Their heroic deeds bring to the forefront the role of virtue in all aspects of the lives of dermatologists and other medical professionals.