Introduction to the History of Modern Medicine

3 units

The medical revolution is the last of the three greatest events in human history, alongside the agricultural and industrial revolutions. While all three have resulted in population increases, modern medicine has been the most responsible for the exponential growth of human society. This course will introduce students to the history of Western medicine from the Hippocratic Oath to the Human Genome Project, with special emphasis on the major problems in American medicine. Among the concepts students will explore are: the responsibility of medical practioners; the understanding of healing and suffering; surgery and the role of anesthesia; the study of human anatomy; improved diagnostic techniques; cells and microbiology; public health and the role of the state.