During the American Revolutionary War, George Washington demonstrated his great compassion and empathy for his troops during tough times and a harsh winter at Valley Forge. He supervised construction to shelter his troops from the cold, and was one of the last ones to move into a shelter.

When George Washington died in 1799, Congress passed a resolution naming him “first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.” Washington believed in the dignity of every person.

The famous mythical story of George Washington and the cherry tree stands at the forefront of his transformation into an American icon. In the story six-year old George uses his new hatchet to cut his father’s prized cherry tree. When queried by this father, George admits it is his fault and says, “I can’t tell a lie...”  

Once George Washington assumed command of the Continental Army his wife Martha Washington became an active participant in the fight. She comforted sick or wounded soldiers and sponsored social activities that brightened the darkness of the long winter days. Her presence not only fortified her husband but helped boost the morale of the entire camp.

Conover Foundation takes primary inspiration for our health care empathy initiative from Physician General William Brown, MD., Revolutionary War physician. In 1778 the Continental Congress appointed him physician general of the Middle Department, extending from the Hudson to the Potomac River. At the military hospital in Lititz, PA, Brown compiled the “Lititz Pharmacopeia” (1778), a collection of medical procedures and formulas for the compounding of medications. This was the first American formulary and a pioneering effort to provide standardized care.