Max Jacobson: The Intriguing Life and Legacy of the Original "Dr. Feelgood"
Born in July 1900 in Fordon, Bromberg—then part of the German Empire (modern-day Poland)—Max Jacobson became notorious as "Dr. Feelgood," a physician whose treatments gained fame and eventually scandalised America. After completing his medical degree at Friedrich Wilhelm University of Berlin, Jacobson fled Nazi persecution in 1936, moving to the United States. Settling in New York, he quickly built a thriving practice among the city’s elite.
Early Experimentation and Rise to Fame
Jacobson began experimenting with odd concoctions in the 1930s, guided by famous psychologist Carl Jung, whose advice "led him to first experiment with early psychotropic, or mood and mind-altering, drugs." Initially testing on animals and then himself, Jacobson became reliant on his creations—a practice he continued throughout his life. He soon concluded that biochemistry could rapidly bring wealth, particularly through the prescription of amphetamines.
Amphetamines had been discovered in the late 19th century but surged in popularity during World War II, with both Allied and German forces distributing around 200 million tablets to soldiers. Even Adolf Hitler was administered similar stimulants by his personal physician. By 1937, American doctors were prescribing Benzedrine sulfate for various ailments, including as diet pills for housewives and stimulants for truck drivers and students. This widespread acceptance inspired Jacobson to offer his unique injections, notably different from standard treatments. Where American doctors prescribed rest and hydration, Jacobson offered quick and dramatic relief via injections from his private laboratory.
Celebrity Clientele and "Miracle" Treatments
Jacobson became famous for his "Miracle Tissue Regeneration" injections, composed of hormones, vitamins, calcium, human placenta, enzymes, monkey gonads, sheep sperm, steroids, and 20-55 milligrams of methamphetamine. His client list soon read like a "who’s who," including Frank Sinatra, Mel Allen, Lauren Bacall, Ingrid Bergman, Leonard Bernstein, Humphrey Bogart, Yul Brynner, Maria Callas, Truman Capote, Van Cliburn, Montgomery Clift, Rosemary Clooney, Bob Cummings, Maya Deren, Cecil B. DeMille (who brought Jacobson to Egypt as his personal physician during the filming of The Ten Commandments), Marlene Dietrich, Eddie Fisher, Judy Garland, Hedy Lamarr, Alan Jay Lerner, Oscar Levant, Mickey Mantle, Hugh Martin, Liza Minnelli, Thelonious Monk, Marilyn Monroe, Zero Mostel, Elvis Presley, Anthony Quinn, Paul Robeson, Nelson Rockefeller, David O. Selznick, Elizabeth Taylor, Kay Thompson, Grace Lee Whitney, Billy Wilder, and Tennessee Williams and many more.
Truman Capote vividly described the experience:
"When you get a shot, you feel like Superman—you're flying. Ideas come at the speed of light... You don’t need sleep... then you crash and you go running back to East 72nd Street."
Jacobson’s treatments promised solutions to ailments such as lost voices, writer's block, stage fright, migraines, and fatigue. His popularity grew, especially within New York’s theatrical community and Hollywood circles.
Kennedy Connection and Notorious Incidents
John F. Kennedy, suffering from chronic pain and exhaustion, first encountered Jacobson shortly before his crucial 1960 televised debate against Richard Nixon. Kennedy famously stated afterward, "I don’t care if it’s horse piss. It works." Jacobson's treatments became frequent, even routine, despite significant concerns from official White House doctors.
Jacobson’s injections notably affected Kennedy during the 1961 Vienna summit with Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev, where historians suggest Kennedy's performance deteriorated as the effects wore off. Jacobson’s treatment of Jackie Kennedy in Palm Beach for severe migraines provided immediate relief, cementing his position as the family's trusted physician.
A shocking incident occurred when Kennedy received an overdose from Jacobson at the Carlyle Hotel, resulting in a psychotic episode. The president ran naked and delirious through hotel corridors until Jacobson administered an antipsychotic, restoring normality.
Humanitarian Efforts and Financial Troubles
Despite his growing wealth and fame, Jacobson frequently offered free treatments to Holocaust survivors and sponsored their immigration to America. Notably, he sponsored Jack Gurfein, a 16-year-old concentration camp survivor who later became a renowned film director. Jacobson often faced financial difficulties due to these generous practices, reportedly never having more than $1,500 in his bank account. His bank eventually reported him to authorities in 1946 due to his unpaid commitments.
Scandal, Exposure, and Downfall of Max Jacobson
Jacobson’s reckless methods came under scrutiny following several alarming incidents, including Mickey Mantle's severe infection after a poorly administered injection. Jacobson's malpractice was further exposed by the death of Kennedy photographer Mark Shaw in 1969 due to acute amphetamine poisoning.
In 1972, The New York Times published a damning exposé revealing Jacobson’s unregulated drug practices, which included ordering massive quantities of amphetamines. Investigations uncovered widespread misuse, including self-injections by Jacobson himself. His medical license was revoked in 1975 after being found guilty on multiple counts of professional misconduct.
Final Years and Death
Jacobson died on 1 December 1979 in New York City, never regaining his medical license. He was buried at Mount Hebron Cemetery next to his wife Nina, who died mysteriously in 1964, allegedly due to an overdose of his treatments.
Jacobson’s life serves as a powerful cautionary tale about the seductive allure of quick medical fixes and the ethical boundaries between healing and harm. Known forever as "Dr. Feelgood," his story remains a fascinating exploration of celebrity, addiction, and medical ethics.