Theodor Morell Hitler's personal physician. Country: Germany

1. Biography of Theodore Morell
2. Meeting Adolf Hitler
3. Personal Physician to Hitler
4. Controversy and Accusations
5. Enemies and Downfall

Biography of Theodore Morell

Theodore Morell (ca. 1890-1948) was a personal physician to Adolf Hitler. He received his medical education and worked as a ship doctor before moving to Berlin, where he practiced dermatology and venereal diseases. His patients included well-known representatives of the artistic bohemia.

Meeting Adolf Hitler

In 1935, on the recommendation of the Nazi court photographer Heinrich Hoffmann, whom Morell had treated for a serious illness, he was introduced to Hitler. After examining the Führer, Morell discovered that he had complete depletion of the gastrointestinal tract caused by nervous system fatigue. He prescribed vitamins, hormones, and injections of phosphorus and dextrose for Hitler for a year. The Führer was pleased with the treatment and stated, "No one has been able to accurately determine what is wrong with me until now. Morell's method of treatment is so consistent that I fully trust him. I will follow all his prescriptions."

Personal Physician to Hitler

Becoming Hitler's personal physician, Morell cured him of a rash, which led to an improvement in the patient's well-being. Hitler's appetite improved, and he credited Morell with saving his life. Their relationship lasted for nine years. Convinced of Morell's abilities, Hitler prohibited any criticism of him and strongly advised his close associates to consult his new doctor. Among Hitler's inner circle, there was constant talk of the medical miracles offered by Morell, such as bull testicles or the latest vitamins. Morell always had a supply of multibacterial flora, "taken from the best livestock bred by Bulgarian peasants."

Controversy and Accusations

Over time, as Hitler's symptoms resurfaced, Morell continued to increase the doses of the medications he administered, including biological components from the intestines of male animals and twenty-eight other drugs, including dangerous amphetamines. Whenever Hitler gave a speech or caught a cold, Morell would give him injections. Gradually, Hitler's skin became more and more blotchy. Meanwhile, Morell used his connections with the ruling elite to secure his own future. He built several factories that produced patented drugs. The use of Morell's "Russian powder" against lice became mandatory in the armed forces. Anticipating a secure future, Morell continued to claim that he was the discoverer of penicillin and that his secret had been stolen by British intelligence services.

Enemies and Downfall

However, Morell also had a wide circle of enemies. Hermann Göring referred to him disdainfully as the "Imperial Needleman." Eva Braun said he had the habits of a pig and refused to consult him because of the filthiness of his office. Other doctors, particularly Dr. Karl Brandt, claimed that Morell was slowly poisoning Hitler with dangerous medications. Hitler began to exhibit symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease. After the July Plot in 1944, Hitler dismissed Morell and sought treatment from Brandt and Ludwig Stumpfegger. Morell died in Tegernsee in May 1948.