Students Publish Book of Latin Medical Terms

When aspiring doctor Eshaan Vasudev ’26 (above, right) realized his Latin studies significantly enhanced his understanding of medical terms, a lightbulb moment soon followed. If it helped him, it might help others, too. He teamed up with his brother Krish Vasudev ’24, and mentor Dr. Ronald Roessler to create “Arbor Medicinae: Latin Roots of Medical Terms,” published in January 2025. What began as a glossary soon evolved into an engaging book that blends medical terminology with stories from Greek and Roman mythology—like Prometheus’ regenerating liver, a myth that mirrors the liver’s real-life regenerative abilities.

To bring the book to life, they enlisted award-winning artist and Latin enthusiast Aida El-Hajjar ’27 (above, left), who illustrated over 40 detailed images. The book is color-coded and organized by body systems to help readers make deeper connections between language and science. The first local publisher they contacted, HenschelHAUS Publishing, agreed to sign them. They showcased the finished book at the Wisconsin Junior Classical League convention in January, donating half the proceeds to support 
classical studies.