Johan Anton Waldenström, a versatile doctor and pioneer: Professor of medicine and practising surgeon

Abstract

Johan Anton Waldenström was born in 1839. His father was Erik Magnus Waldenström, a district medical officer in Luleå whose district encompassed the entire upper Norrland. Erik Magnus was the first doctor in his family. He studied in Lund where he also obtained his Doctorate of Medicine (MD). Immediately afterwards, in 1819, he moved to Luleå, where he remained until his death. He is described as a forceful man, as a doctor, as a local politician, and as the head of his family. One might question a doctor being called forceful, but it was not uncommon for him to undertake taxing home visits by sledge and could well be away from home for several weeks at a time. One such journey was estimated at between 300 and 400 kilometres! This man was remarkable for his striving to provide his sons with an academic education. He fathered 15 children, all of whom but one reached adulthood. He paid for the academic education of all his 10 sons, which was considered a great achievement for a district medical officer whose salary was so small it was necessary to supplement it with a family-run farm.