An Excerpt From the Show

What's This Scene All About?

We would be remiss if we did not include a scene that honored HSLS’s own Dr. John Erlen. The late Dr. Erlen celebrated his retirement in 2019 after more than 35 years as HSLS’s history of medicine librarian; the playbill for Lasix Unloaded refers to him as “the REAL father of medicine.” 

In this opening scene of the musical, Dr. Erlen’s character is responsible for setting up the show’s entire premise. He explains to the main character, Uno, that there is a truth to be discovered about UPMC if he takes a red pill. Fans of The Matrix might recognize Uno as a  parody of Neo and Dr. Erlen as a spoof of Morpheus. Morpheus has been described as motivating, inspiring, and a “cultural symbol representing the pursuit of truth.” In 2004, Pitt Med’s graduating seniors decided Dr. Erlen was just the man to embody this legendary character. 

Learn More About This Show

A complete recording of this performance will be available to those with a valid University computing account soon.

More information about this and other Scope and Scalpel performances can also be found on our finding aid. Please contact us to view the Scope and Scalpel materials in person or to talk to our History of Medicine librarian.