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Lecture

Alan Silman
Eisenhower: War Hero, Popular, Yet Continually Sick US President

Thursday 14.05.2026

How to watch

This lecture starts on 14 May at 7:00pm (UK).

Summary

Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890–1969) became president of the US in 1953 on the back of his war record but with no political experience. Yet he was very much a president of change, leading the modernization of America, and even today is considered one of the most popular of all time. Yet his time in office was marked by a series of serious illnesses that were covered, for the first time, openly by the media. His heroism in facing up to these challenges are a key to his enduring affection.

Alan Silman

An image of Alan Silman
After graduating as a doctor, Alan Silman trained in epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene. He then took up an academic role in the Department of Epidemiology at the London Hospital where he also trained in rheumatology. He was appointed as Director of Arthritis Research UK’s Epidemiology Research Unit, Manchester University in 1988. In 2007 he changed role and became the first medical director of the Arthritis Research UK charity. In 2015 he left ARUK to return to academic research in epidemiology and took up the role of Professor of Musculoskeletal Health at Oxford University. He has advised the UK government on the safety of medicines including vaccines and is currently part of the national panel reviewing the quality of epidemiological research in UK Universities. He has written a number of books and numerous articles. During the Covid-19 pandemic he wrote a blog for lay audience aimed at explaining the emerging data, which reached 100 countries. He has a passionate interest in Jewish history and culture and for 20 years has lead tours to many countries in Europe and Asia.