Doctor Ice Pick

In this compelling short story, author Claire Prentice explores the controversial and chilling legacy of Dr. Walter Freeman, who, in July 1952, performed a staggering 228 lobotomies in just twelve days at a West Virginia asylum. Armed with only two metal picks and a surgical hammer, Freeman's quick procedure, dubbed "Operation Ice Pick," was hailed by some as a miracle cure for mental illness while others condemned it as a reckless and dangerous practice. This narrative delves into the complex reactions to Freeman's methods, highlighting a pivotal moment in American medical history marked by both innovation and tragedy.