Leo Alexander

American psychiatrist and neurologist

Leo Alexander (October 11, 1905 – July 20, 1985) was an American psychiatrist and neurologist known for his contributions to medical ethics and his role in the Nuremberg Trials.

Early life and education

Leo Alexander was born in Vienna, Austria-Hungary, in 1905. He studied medicine at the University of Vienna, where he earned his medical degree in 1929. Following his graduation, Alexander pursued further training in neurology and psychiatry in various European institutions.

Career

Emigration to the United States

In 1933, with the rise of the Nazi Party in Germany, Alexander emigrated to the United States. He continued his medical career in the U.S., working at several prestigious institutions, including Harvard Medical School and Boston City Hospital.

World War II and the Nuremberg Trials

During World War II, Alexander served as a major in the United States Army Medical Corps. He was appointed as a medical advisor to the Office of the Chief of Counsel for War Crimes during the Nuremberg Trials. In this capacity, he played a significant role in the prosecution of Nazi doctors accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Leo Alexander during the Nuremberg Trials

Alexander's work at the Nuremberg Trials was instrumental in the development of the Nuremberg Code, a set of ethical principles for human experimentation. His investigations and testimonies highlighted the unethical medical practices conducted by Nazi physicians, emphasizing the need for informed consent and the protection of human subjects in medical research.

Contributions to medical ethics

Leo Alexander's contributions to medical ethics extended beyond the Nuremberg Trials. He was a vocal advocate for the ethical treatment of patients and the importance of informed consent in medical practice. His work laid the foundation for modern bioethics and influenced the development of ethical guidelines in medical research and practice.

Later life and legacy

After the Nuremberg Trials, Alexander continued his work in psychiatry and neurology. He held academic positions and contributed to numerous publications in the field of medical ethics. Alexander passed away in 1985, leaving behind a legacy of advocacy for ethical standards in medicine.

Related pages

• Nuremberg Code
• Nuremberg Trials
• Medical ethics
• Informed consent