[150 years ago physicians and surgeons heeded the call of their country]

One hundred and fifty years ago began the conflict between the Mexican and North American Republics, due to inherent problems related to the incorporation of Texas to the United States of North America. The first phase of the war developed in the northern regions of México culminating in the bloody combat of La Angostura. In these episodes participated the Mexican medical corps, organized in San Luis Potosí, at the orders of doctor Pedro Van der Linden. The theater of the second phase of this war moved to the beaches of Veracruz and the route toward Mexico City, dying in the unfortunate battle of Cerro Gordo. In tis combat, many Mexican physicians together with the commandant of the medical corps himself were taken prisoners by the enemy. The third phase corresponded to the campaign of Valle de México. In its different episodes physicians, surgeons, and medical students participated courageously. The latter, with their teachers, constituted a company, incorporated to the battalion "Hidalgo" of the national guard, for defending the capital. It is just to remember now all the physicians who, as well as the other social classes, responded with enthusiasm and abnegation to the call of their fatherland.