Dr. Max Jacobson: The Controversial “Dr. Feelgood” Behind President John F. Kennedy’s Secret Treatments
Dr. Max Jacobson, widely known as “Dr. Feelgood,” was a German-born physician who played a controversial yet significant role in the life and health of President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jackie Kennedy during the early 1960s. Here’s an in-depth look at Dr. Jacobson’s practices, his treatments for the Kennedys, and the eventual fallout that ensued.
Born in Germany in 1900, Dr. Max Jacobson fled the Nazi regime in 1936 and established his medical practice on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. He became infamous for his so-called “miracle treatments,” which earned him a clientele of high-profile individuals, including celebrities and politicians. His methods, however, were far from conventional and ultimately led to significant controversy.
Dr. Jacobson’s most infamous patient was President John F. Kennedy, who relied on Jacobson’s “IV Special” injections, which reportedly contained a potent mix of:
•Methamphetamine (28 milligrams)
•Vitamins and Steroids
•Human placenta
•Animal organs (e.g., monkey gonads, sheep sperm)
•Opioid painkillers
•Barbiturates
•Testosterone
Kennedy, who suffered from chronic back pain and other ailments, found immediate relief in Jacobson’s injections, famously stating, “I don’t care if it’s horse piss. It’s the only thing that works.” The injections not only provided pain relief but also boosted Kennedy’s energy levels, helping him to maintain a vigorous public appearance and enhance his performance during critical moments, such as the 1960 presidential debate against Richard Nixon.
Treatments for Jackie Kennedy
First Lady Jackie Kennedy also received similar treatments from Dr. Jacobson. Notably, before meeting Queen Elizabeth II, Jacobson administered an injection to help Jackie feel composed and energized for the high-profile event. Like her husband, Jackie became reliant on Jacobson’s treatments during her time in the White House.
Frequency and Impact
Dr. Jacobson was a frequent visitor to the White House, with Secret Service logs indicating over 30 visits between 1961 and 1962. He also accompanied the Kennedys on international trips, including diplomatic visits to Paris and Vienna, ensuring they had access to his treatments at all times.
The Growing Controversy
While Jacobson’s treatments initially appeared beneficial, the long-term effects were far more concerning. Kennedy’s other physicians grew alarmed by Jacobson’s methods, warning of the potential risks of addiction and erratic behavior. Over time, JFK’s behavior became increasingly unpredictable, culminating in a severe psychotic episode in 1962, where he was reportedly found roaming naked and delirious in the Carlyle Hotel in New York.
Bobby Kennedy, deeply concerned about his brother’s deteriorating state, took matters into his own hands. He had the contents of Jacobson’s injections analyzed, uncovering the dangerous substances within. Armed with this knowledge, Bobby confronted President Kennedy and, along with other White House doctors, pressured him to cease Jacobson’s treatments. This intervention marked a turning point, as JFK’s decision-making and leadership notably improved after discontinuing the injections. His more stable health and clearer judgment were critical during pivotal moments, such as the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962.
The exposure of Jacobson’s methods led to widespread criticism, and his once-thriving practice began to crumble. Eventually, Dr. Jacobson’s medical license was revoked due to his unorthodox and dangerous practices, ending his career. His impact on President Kennedy, however, remains a deeply controversial chapter in the history of the American presidency, raising questions about the hidden vulnerabilities of one of the most iconic leaders of the 20th century.
Who got JFK Hooked on Speed?
In the spring of 1962, President John F. Kennedy is said to have raced down a hallway of the Carlyle hotel stark naked. The incident (which would have jeopardized his presidency) was kept from the public. Also unbeknownst to the public, and Kennedy himself, was that he was hooked on amphetamines. More astonishingly, his supplier was a medical professional, Dr. Max Jacobson, whose dangerous remedies were inflicted upon a generation of New York’s elite.
Born in 1900 in Fordon, Bromberg, then part of the German Empire, Jacobson, who was Jewish, moved to the United States in 1936 to flee the Nazis. There, he slowly built his practice and a reputation for himself. Known as “Miracle Max,” the list of Jacobson’s regular patients reads like a roll call of the 20th century’s biggest icons:
Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Leonard Bernstein, Judy Garland, Humphrey Bogart, Elizabeth Taylor, Cecil B. DeMille, and Liza Minnelli; writers like Tennessee Williams, Truman Capote, and Rod Serling, who created The Twilight Zone; and even Nelson Rockefeller.
Jacobson’s most famous patient was John F. Kennedy (and his wife, Jackie). The doctor’s relationship with the family was so close that he traveled with the then-president on Air Force One, made house calls to see him in Hyannis Port and Palm Beach, and visited the White House 34 times over the course of 20 months. His presence was so frequent that the Secret Service dubbed him “Dr. Feelgood,” and the nickname stuck.
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Resources:
https://t.me/LauraAbolichannel/69759
https://avenuemagazine.com/who-got-jfk-hooked-on-speed/
