Evening star., 1943-06-27
Maj. VogeI Is First Woman
To Head Important Army Unit
Directs PhysicoI
Theropy Aides in
Medical Branch
By JESSIE FAINT EVANS.

MAJ. Emma K. Vogel, director OF
physical therapy aides in the Army
Medical Department, Is the first
woman to hold this title. Military
status for the group which Maj.
Vogel heads was authorized by Con-
gress December %.
This nationally-known physical
therapy aide, who wears the uniform
OF an American Army officer, for the
first time In her distinguished career
comes to her new executive position
well versed In Army practice and
procedure.
Since 1922 she has been the super
visor OF the physical therapy clinic
and the training course for student
physical therapy aides conducted at
Walter Reed Hospital.
Her department functions under
the recently appointed surgeon gen.
eral, Maj. Gen. Norman r. Kirk,
who, as an outstanding ortheopedic
surgeon. Is well aware of the value of
physical therapy in the after treat
ment of war injuries.
Just What Name Implies.
Physical therapy," according to
Maj. Vogel. sis just what it's name
implies, treatment by physical meas
ures. These include massage, exer-
else and treatment with the use OF
heat, water and electricity. Those
who administer physical therapy
treatments must necessarily have a
thorough training in the admins
tration of these measures, based on
a knowledge of anatomy, physiology,
pathology and other allied subjects" :"
Professional knowledge and skill
are not sufficient in themselves,
however, for the best results, Mai.
Vogel emphasizes.
I'm addition" she declares, there
must be great inner well of human
understanding. This has to reach
deep down into the psychology Of
the patient, so that he Is inspired 10
withstand temporary discourage
ment as well as numerous setbacks
before repeated practice finally
brings dexterity sufficient to make
the patient realize he Is licking his
disability"
If you have never seen an Army
physical therapy clinic, there is
much is store for you. Picture to
yourself bright airy room filled
with white "plinths" "a plinth is a
cross between table and a bed)
On the plinths are men who have
been in the thick of the fight.
One of the patients is a soldier
who has received a gunshot wound
in his thigh. Hs has not walked for
months. His one object in life now
Is to get his knee straight, so that
he can walk again. have a few
weeks furlough at home with his
family and then rejoin his outfit.
Comparatively New Science.
"The comparatively new science
OF physical therapy," Maj. Vogel
says, "did not win general recogni-
ton until the World War, when the
results 1t achieved in the aftercare
of war injuries became widely
known. Now it Is generally looked
on as one of the most important
forms Of treatment for burns, frac-
lures and many other disabilities. 4"
Another special field in the rehab-
ilitation program where physical
therapy is essential Is in the after
care Of peripheral nerve injuries, to
help bring about restoration of
function to paralyzed muscles. This
can be accomplished only through
patient teaching.
Maj. Vogels own broad humani-
tarianism shines forth in her kindly
but measured appraisal of human
being and difficult situations. Her
supple, well-molded hands bespeak
manipulative skill and dexterity in
the profession to which she has
contributed so much to the Army
and the general field of physical
therapy.
Born at Mankato, MINI. she is a
graduate of its teachers college.