Memorial Honors Bruce Tucker, Black Man Whose Heart Was Taken Without Consent In Virginia's 1st Transplant
The family of Bruce Tucker gave their loved one the home-going service he deserved after years of pain. According to ABC 8 News , on May 30, relatives of the 54-year-old gathered together at a private ceremony organized by Virginia Commonwealth University Health (VCU Health) to honor Tucker, who died in 1968, following a severe head injury from a fall. Tragically, what followed the death of the Stony Creek native was equally heartbreaking.
On May 25, 1968, physicians at the Medical College of Virginia (now VCU Health) declared him dead. Without notifying or obtaining consent from Tucker's family, surgeons—acting with a medical examiner's permission—removed his heart and kidneys. His heart was then transplanted into a white man in what became Virginia's first and the world's 16th recorded heart transplant.
In response, Tucker's brother William filed a wrongful death lawsuit. However, in 1972, the jury ruled in favor of the defendants after being instructed to consider the concept of brain death, despite it not being recognized in the Code of Virginia at the time.
To honor Tucker's legacy, VCU Health established a historical highway marker in the Stony Creek area of Dinwiddie County. The marker details the events surrounding Tucker's case, a gesture hospital officials say is part of an ongoing effort to acknowledge and address the violations of his medical rights and privacy.
'The marker now serves as a public reminder of the importance of informed consent and transparency in health care,' Gayle Turner, a representative for the Tucker family,' said, according to ABC 8 News. 'It also serves as a permanent acknowledgement and memorial tribute to the life and legacy of our beloved Bruce Oliver Tucker and the impact his story continues to have on medicine and ethics today.'
Notably, on May 24, 1968, Tucker was taken—unconscious and unaccompanied—to the Medical College of Virginia, after he suffered his fall in Richmond, according to VCU Health's official website. The American Journal of Transplantation noted that the working-class Virginian fell off a three-foot wall. Doctors diagnosed him with a basilar skull fracture, a subdural hematoma, and a brain stem contusion. He underwent emergency surgery to relieve pressure on his brain and received a tracheostomy to help him breathe.
As Bruce Tucker lay in critical condition, members of the hospital's transplant team began to consider him a potential organ donor. Unable to locate his next of kin, and with a white patient in need of a heart transplant, the surgeons proceeded. Though Virginia's 'Unclaimed Body Act' required a 24-hour waiting period before declaring a body unclaimed, this protocol was not followed. Within hours of his death being pronounced on May 25, 1968, surgeons removed Tucker's heart and kidneys, without the knowledge or consent of his family. His heart was transplanted into a wealthy white businessman named Joseph Klett in what became Virginia's first heart transplant and the 16th worldwide. Klett died six days later due to organ rejection.
Tucker's family only learned of the organ removal after his death. His brother, William Tucker, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the surgeons and medical examiner involved. The case went to trial in 1972, but an all-white, all-male jury ruled in favor of the hospital. The case raised serious questions about medical ethics, racial injustice, and the need for clear consent protocols in organ donation.
Thankfully, VCU Health is taking meaningful steps to acknowledge and address the injustice done to Tucker. In addition to the newly installed historical marker, the hospital unveiled a commemorative mural in honor of the 54-year-old in March, ensuring that his legacy will not be forgotten. The mural, titled Humanity of the Heart , was designed by students from VCU's mOb studiO and brought to life by Richmond-based artist Hamilton Glass.
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National Geographic
23-06-2025
- National Geographic
At 102, he's the world's oldest practicing doctor. These are his longevity tips.
According to neurologist Howard Tucker, there is a scientific basis for not retiring. That's why this 102-year-old is the world's oldest practicing doctor. Image Courtesy What's Next? Documentary Howard Tucker has been practicing medicine since 1947. Ahead of his 103rd birthday, the neurologist shares his thoughts on living a healthier life—and enjoying it, too. At 102 years old, Howard Tucker is the world's oldest practicing doctor—and he's eagerly looking for new work since the hospital where he taught medical residents closed in 2022. 'Right now, I'm out of a job,' Tucker says. While he's no longer seeing patients, Tucker's resume speaks for itself. He received his medical doctorate in 1947 and completed his neurology residency in 1953. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was the chief neurologist for the Atlantic Fleet during the Korean War. In 1989, at a spry 67, Tucker pursued a law degree and passed the Ohio State Bar exam while continuing to work as a neurologist. He helped treat patients in the earliest days of the COVID pandemic and, today, he occasionally teaches medical and law students at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. He still consults as a specialist for medical legal cases too. (7 simple science-backed rules for living longer.) More recently, he's also become a TikTok star, with 101,000 followers and counting. Tucker's grandson, Austin, created the account with his friend Taylor Taglianetti. Together, they produced the documentary What's Next? to showcase Tucker's extraordinary accomplishments and zest for life. Ahead of his 103rd birthday in July, National Geographic asked Tucker for his secret sauce to longevity. The centenarian staunchly credits a continuous pursuit of knowledge and connection—and the occasional martini. Read on for his tips for better health and the habits he believes everyone should avoid. The centenarian neurologist credits social connection and continuous pursuit of knowledge as key to his longevity. Above, Tucker is seen at Progressive Field in Cleveland before throwing out the first pitch at a baseball game on his 100th birthday. Image Courtesy What's Next? Documentary NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC: You've said that retirement is the 'enemy' of longevity. What brought you to this realization, and why do you feel strongly about it? HOWARD TUCKER: These are not just my whims. It's been documented that for each additional year of working, there's a lower risk of dementia. It's important to continue with decision-making, with social interaction. This slows down cognitive decline. It goes back to the old theory of 'use it or lose it.' If you don't use your brain, you're going to lose it. A scent, a touch, or a sip can be just what you need to lock an important moment into your mind forever. What advice would you give to people whose work is harming their health? I would hope those people could acquire a new profession. You know, I had a patient who found it necessary to drive around the city block several times before she could go to work as a secretary, and she had a stroke at 42 because of the stress that built up. So the advice to her, of course, would have been to find another boss. (What working long hours does to your body.) What are three healthy habits that you keep up with and recommend? Stay physically and mentally active, do not smoke cigarettes whatsoever, and don't harbor hatred. When you hate, you're physically abusing yourself. Your pulse and blood pressure go up. It's the same stress that you'd get with any anxiety. Look, hate is innate. When we hate someone, we increase our own stature, emotionally, and it just doesn't work that way. There's no reality to it, except the unhealthy physiological responses. Do you think smoking is as big a problem for younger people today compared to 30 or 40 years ago? Yes, it is. While I was in med school, Alton Ochsner, a surgeon from the Ochsner Clinic (now Ochsner Health), came to talk to my class. He showed that in the generation before mine, very few women smoked. The few who did smoked in the house, never in the streets or in public. At that point, it was conceived that lung cancer was a disease of men, as breast cancer is a disease of women. But he showed compelling evidence that increasing lung cancer rates paralleled the incidence of smoking in ladies. That resolved it in my book. It's dangerous. Now, not all doctors believed that. Doctors used to say to patients, 'Take up smoking, it'll curb your appetite and quiet your nerves.' My medical students and residents are shocked when I tell them that doctors would sit on the bed in the hospital smoking a cigarette, and the patient would be in the bed smoking a cigarette. I think the same pattern could happen with marijuana. Right now, the government blesses it like it did tobacco. There is increasing evidence that after inhaling marijuana, coordination goes down and intellect is modified. You see premature heart activity—heart attacks, strokes—and this is kind of being brushed aside. (Marijuana doubles your risk of cardiovascular death, worrying new study shows.) Do you feel the same way about drinking alcohol? To me, moderation seems to be correct. When people would ask me about longevity, as a real punkster, I would say: wine, women, and song. There's a lot to be said for that. (Although, now there have been a few negative reports of wine, even in moderation.) Do you believe diet influences longevity, and what does yours look like? While I don't believe one diet fits all, it's clear that incorporating more whole, healthy foods as opposed to processed, fried, or sugary treats can help prevent medical issues in the long run. I've seen countless food trends come and go throughout my lifetime. There will always be a new study highlighting the benefits or risks of eating just about anything. I typically start my mornings with fresh fruit and toast alongside my lovely wife. I'm not usually hungry for lunch, and when I was actively seeing patients, I often skipped it. For dinner, I'll have chicken, fish, or the occasional steak, paired with vegetables or a salad. Add in the occasional martini, and that's a perfect meal in my book. I will admit I've been indulging in ice cream and doughnuts a bit more in my 100s than I ever did when I was younger. Of course, we know exercise is important too. How has your exercise routine changed? Let me put it this way: I do enjoy the treadmill at a much lower pace than I had been doing, but at the same time, I must have something interesting on the television set to survive that ordeal. As you grow older, you don't exercise as vigorously, but making time for exercise is important. It strengthens your heart and stimulates your brain. Walking is good, particularly for older people, as is jogging. Try to keep up with walking because eventually there are limitations—your arteries become hardened, you can't walk as far or as fast, or your balance is off. But there are other opportunities: Stationary bikes, stair climbers, ellipticals, all of those keep you stimulated. (Why outdoor adventure is important for women as they age.) Do you have a hobby that keeps your brain sharp and life fun? I still snowshoe. My balance is off, so it's becoming more dangerous, but I go with my kids. While they ski downhill, I live vicariously through that. You've also been married for nearly 68 years. How has your connection with your wife shaped your health? Well, she keeps me sober. She keeps me modest. We just enjoy each other's company. Do you believe that friendships are just as important? Friendships can be very powerful and should be. My father had friends in their 30s when he was in his 90s, and that kept him alive. The same thing is happening to me. Although I don't have any friends in their 30s and all my close childhood friends are gone, I certainly have friends 25 years younger than I am, and they stimulate me to think better. Has the way people speak to you changed as you've grown older? Yes, it has, and it's not comfortable. People will talk about me to my kids in my presence and not ask me questions directly. They kind of demote you, figuring that you have to be a doddering old soul. It's not necessarily realistic. It's offensive too. Yet you seem hopeful and happy when you speak about life. What is your secret to staying optimistic? I ignore my age. Age is so relative. When I was 40 years old, I was talking to a group of medical students and residents, and I said I never worry about a premature death. One of the people in the group said, 'Dr. Tucker, you're already past age.' I was 40! I think not being fearful of every moment of life is terribly important. What's the most exciting medical discovery or advancement that's changed your work in neurology? Imaging, specifically CT and MRI scans, took us from the medical Middle Ages into the 20th century. It has greatly advanced our ability to diagnose and treat countless conditions without resorting to outdated and invasive procedures. That said, I still caution my medical students and residents to never rely on imaging alone. I emphasize the importance of taking a thorough patient history. Get to know your patient. Understand the full clinical picture. Only then should you use imaging to confirm or challenge what you already suspect. Despite all our technological progress, the human side of medicine remains just as vital as ever. What's the biggest myth you hear about longevity? People often suggest that eating X or strictly following Y routine will help you live longer. I don't believe in extremes or fads. In fact, I think going to extremes can be more harmful than helpful. Certainly, genetics and luck play an enormous role. Beyond that, I believe the key is everything in moderation. They once asked the Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw what he owed his longevity to. He claimed the secret was a vegetarian diet, no alcohol, and no caffeine. Then they asked Sir Winston Churchill what he owed his longevity to: Sir Winston enjoyed Armenian brandy, meat at every meal, and smoking cigars. I like to joke that I'm smarter than both of them. I don't see the need or benefit in following fads, trends, or overindulging, but I do believe in enjoying life. Just no cigarettes! This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Chicago Tribune
17-06-2025
- Chicago Tribune
Today in Chicago History: Old Chicago — 1st indoor amusement park/mall in the US — opens in Bolingbrook
Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on June 17, according to the Tribune's archives. Is an important event missing from this date? Email us. Weather records (from the National Weather Service, Chicago) 1812: Fort Dearborn was the site of Chicago's first murder. The suspect was John Kinzie. The victim was Jean La Lime. The reasons for the fatal dispute are unknown. 1950: Richard Lawler led a surgical team that performed the first human-to-human kidney transplant at Little Company of Mary Medical Hospital in Evergreen Park. It's believed to be the world's first organ transplant. The patient was 44-year-old Ruth Tucker, whose mother and sister died of the same kidney disease she developed. Before operating on Tucker, Lawler had performed transplants on dogs and had succeeded in keeping one of the dogs alive for more than a year following a kidney transplant. Tucker, originally from Justice, survived for five years after the transplant, though her body rejected the new kidney just three months after the surgery. Tucker died of coronary artery disease, which doctors at the hospital said was probably unrelated to her transplant. The successful transplant was remarkable at the time because dialysis, which helps a patient survive until a compatible donor is found, had not yet been developed; and because immunosuppressants had not been developed to protect the transplanted kidney from rejection. 1974: 22-year-old Mary Wallace was introduced as Chicago Transit Authority's first female bus driver. Wallace, a gospel singer in a church choir and business graduate of Olive-Harvey College, told reporters she was looking forward to piloting a bus because she liked dealing with people. No, she said in response to questions about holdups and the like, she is not all afraid of the prospect of driving at night. 1975: Turn-of-the-century themed Old Chicago amusement park/shopping center — the first enclosed one in the United States — opened in Bolingbrook. It went bankrupt and closed in March 1980. Amazon purchased the site in early 2020, for $50 million. 1981: Tribune Co. announced an agreement to buy the Chicago Cubs. The company held onto the team until 2009, when it was bought by the Ricketts family. 1994: Opening ceremonies for FIFA's World Cup took place at Soldier Field with President Bill Clinton in attendance. The Park District spent millions to prep the stadium for the soccer tournament. What to know about the Chicago Bears' possible move to Arlington Heights — or a domed stadium on the lakefront2021: Chicago Bears team President and CEO Ted Phillips announces on Twitter the team recently submitted a bid to purchase the property at Arlington Park. Subscribe to the free Vintage Chicago Tribune newsletter, join our Chicagoland history Facebook group, stay current with Today in Chicago History and follow us on Instagram for more from Chicago's past.
Business Wire
10-06-2025
- Business Wire
Enveric Biosciences Receives Notice of Allowance for New Class of Low-Hallucinogenic Neuroplastogens Targeting Psychiatric Disorders
CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Enveric Biosciences (NASDAQ: ENVB) ('Enveric' or the 'Company'), a biotechnology company advancing next-generation neuroplastogenic small molecules to address psychiatric and neurological disorders, today announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued a Notice of Allowance for a patent application covering compositions of matter and methods of use for a novel class of aminated tryptamine derivatives. The patented compounds were designed through Enveric's proprietary discovery platform and represent a first-in-class approach to non-hallucinogenic psychedelic-inspired therapeutics. The compounds demonstrated low hallucinogenic liability in preclinical testing, including minimal Head Twitch Response (HTR) and reduced 5-HT2A receptor activation – two established indicators of hallucinogenic activity in rodents. 'The allowance of this application adds a new tier of patent-protected innovation to our pipeline of non-hallucinogenic neuroplastogens,' said Joseph Tucker, Ph.D., CEO of Enveric. 'Unlike traditional psychedelics that require intensive clinical monitoring due to their hallucinogenic effects, our molecules are designed for frequent, flexible, outpatient dosing, which we expect will be better aligned with patient lifestyles, clinics workflows, and payers established models.' Non-hallucinogenic psychedelic analogs represent a critical evolution in the treatment of psychiatric and neurological disorders, with potential to treat conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and cognitive impairment, without the operational limitations of hallucinatory experiences. The patent covers both the molecular compositions and their therapeutic applications, further strengthening Enveric's competitive position in this emerging category. 'This achievement reflects Enveric's continued execution on its mission to develop safe and effective neuroplastogenic therapeutics,' Dr. Tucker added. 'Each addition to our intellectual property portfolio helps build a more valuable portfolio of assets for long-term growth.' The patented molecules were discovered through the Company's proprietary discovery and development platform, which leverages computational and medicinal chemistry to identify optimized, next-generation therapeutic molecules with favorable safety, pharmacology, and scalability profiles. About Enveric Biosciences Enveric Biosciences (NASDAQ: ENVB) is a biotechnology company dedicated to the development of novel neuroplastogenic small-molecule therapeutics for the treatment of psychiatric and neurological disorders. Leveraging its unique discovery and development Psybrary™ platform, which houses proprietary information on the use and development of existing and novel molecules for specific mental health indications, Enveric seeks to develop a robust intellectual property portfolio of novel drug candidates. Enveric's lead molecule, EB-003, is a potential first-in-class neuroplastogen designed to promote neuroplasticity, without inducing hallucinations, in patients suffering from difficult-to-address mental health disorders. Enveric is focused on advancing EB-003 towards clinical trials for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders while out-licensing other novel, patented Psybrary™ platform drug candidates to third-party licensees advancing non-competitive market strategies for patient care. Enveric is headquartered in Naples, FL with offices in Cambridge, MA and Calgary, AB Canada. For more information, please visit Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements or information. Generally, forward-looking statements and information may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans," "expects" or "does not expect," "proposes," "budgets," "explores," "schedules," "seeks," "estimates," "forecasts," "intends," "anticipates" or "does not anticipate," or "believes," or variations of such words and phrases, or by the use of words or phrases which state that certain actions, events or results may, could, should, would, or might occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements may include statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future and are based on the beliefs of management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to management. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including, but not limited to, the ability of Enveric to: finalize and submit its IND filing to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration; carry out successful clinical programs; achieve the value creation contemplated by technical developments; avoid delays in planned clinical trials; establish that potential products are efficacious or safe in preclinical or clinical trials; establish or maintain collaborations for the development of therapeutic candidates; obtain appropriate or necessary governmental approvals to market potential products; obtain future funding for product development and working capital on commercially reasonable terms; scale-up manufacture of product candidates; respond to changes in the size and nature of competitors; hire and retain key executives and scientists; secure and enforce legal rights related to Enveric's products, including patent protection; identify and pursue alternative routes to capture value from its research and development pipeline assets; continue as a going concern; and manage its future growth effectively. 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