The Best of Men2012

[Dr Guttmann and Dr Cowan are arguing over whether a spinal patient should have an operation that could damage his spine]

Dr. Cowan:
What brings you to my department?

Dr. Ludwig Guttmann:
This young man, William Heath, he is my patient.

Dr. Cowan:
I operate tomorrow. Unstable fracture of the ninth vertibrae.

Dr. Ludwig Guttmann:
[looking at X-rays] No! I think not. Ah, my apologies. Yes, he *does* have a fracture, you are right. And yes, for all anyone knows, it *may* be unstable. But, no, you are not going to operate on him. We don't know yet how much movement may be restored.

Dr. Cowan:
None.

Dr. Ludwig Guttmann:
And with the operation, you are *guaranteeing* this.

[they continue the discussion in General Blake's office]

Dr. Cowan:
The Army consultant sent Heath here expressly for this operation.

Dr. Ludwig Guttmann:
He sent him to my ward.

Dr. Cowan:
Actually he sent him to *me*.

Dr. Ludwig Guttmann:
But now I'm here so I can take over. From today, all spinal patients are my responsibility.

Dr. Cowan:
I gather that you haven't touched a patient for years.

Dr. Ludwig Guttmann:
I haven't been *allowed* to.

General Blake:
Dr Guttmann has specialised in spinal patients all his life.

Dr. Cowan:
Yes, in Germany.

Dr. Ludwig Guttmann:
The spinal cord is the same for Wilhelm or William, Henry or Heinrich. There are pioneering treatments.

Dr. Cowan:
Experimental.

Dr. Ludwig Guttmann:
No, new but already proven. Munro is doing great work in Boston.

Dr. Cowan:
America? Say no more. I am doing what I consider to be the best for this mortally wounded young man.

Dr. Cowan:
He has *not* been mortally wounded.

Dr. Cowan:
His life expectancy is what? Six months?

Dr. Ludwig Guttmann:
That is why I am here. Too many cripples in the last war. Too many men dying young. Too many wounded men made helpless by medical neglect. Too many widows. That is why I am here.