A Young Man’s Life Experience – Dr. Ed Iannuccilli

A Young Man’s Life Experience – Dr. Ed Iannuccilli

Following the two articles I wrote of the polio epidemic and The Chapin Hospital, I received several poignant and memorable responses, one of which was from my friend, Paul Croce. He, like many, remembered the polio epidemic quite well, but had something different to offer about the hospital where he was once a psychiatric aide.

Initially, The Charles V. Chapin Hospital, following the direction of its brilliant leader and Superintendent of Health in Providence, was noted for its innovative evaluation and treatment of infectious diseases. In the 1930s and 1940s, Dr. Chapin’s scientific observations on the nature of the spread of infectious disease gained worldwide recognition. His book, “The Sources and Modes of Infection,” influenced physicians and public health officials across the United States and Europe.

Originally, the Chapin Hospital consisted of six buildings (now all a part of Providence College’s campus). As the treatment of infectious disease changed and shifted to other locations, the hospital’s role changed. By 1965, most patients admitted were for psychiatric care.  Therein lies Paul’s story.

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Paul worked as a psychiatric aide at the hospital during the summers of 1958-1960. “They were the summers after my senior year in high school and the first two years of college.” In the first year, Paul worked the 12 PM-8 AM shift (“less worry, patients were sleeping”).

At the time, the three-story building housed out-patient services on the first floor, a men’s ward on the second floor and a women’s ward on the third. Patients included those with chronic addiction (drugs, alcohol, etc.), venereal diseases, schizophrenia, and other chronic mental illnesses. Treatments included solitary confinement in padded cells, electric shock, bed restraints, and Bellevue cocktails (500 cc of medication in glucose, for alcoholics).

Paul reflects, “As you can imagine, it was an eye-opening education for someone so young. I participated in administering ECT . . . electric shock treatments (his most vivid memory), spinal taps, and other medical procedures. I saw patients die, suffer from the DTs (delirium tremens), talk to imaginary people, and exhibit several other very unusual behaviors completely foreign to me. I also saw patients who were suffering from schizophrenia and paranoia get released from the unit after a series of shock treatments to return to a “normal” life, grateful to the doctors who rid them of their suffering.”

“I worked in the men's ward, but the aides from the men’s ward were often called to assist with patients or procedures in the women's ward. That too was quite an experience for someone my age. I learned so much about people -- their strengths, frailties, values, etc. -- that most individuals aren’t even aware of.” Paul reflected a moment. “From these persons who were facing their demons, I learned what courage really was. It was eye-opening, one of those jobs/experiences that matured a person very quickly.”

“As you can tell, these memories are etched very deeply in my mind; they are most unusual and unforgettable. Your articles brought them flooding back.”

Quite an experience for one so young. Indeed.

 

Dr. Ed Iannuccilli is the author of three popular memoirs, “Growing up Italian; Grandfather’s Fig Tree and Other Stories”, “What Ever Happened to Sunday Dinner” and “My Story Continues: From Neighborhood to Junior High.”  Learn more here.