Men’s Receiving Ward

During World War II, the urgent medical needs of wounded soldiers led military hospitals—both at home and on the front lines—to enlist countless doctors, nurses, and support staff. This created a severe shortage of medical professionals for civilians back home. When peace was restored, these discharged healthcare workers returned to serve in domestic hospitals. This story follows an occupational therapist, along with doctors and nurses, navigating life and change in an Iowa hospital during that turbulent transition.