In the early 1870s, Harvard Medical School was still lagging behind science. At least one of its professors of physiology professed ignorance of the microscope. Meanwhile, Harvard demanded no prior science training from its prospective medical students. Indeed, its graduates could afford to have flunked 40% of their medical courses.
In this regard, Harvard Medical School was not alone, unfortunately. Its peers such as Yale also failed to make the grade. Why? Because (1) medicine was taught and practiced as folk medicine, and (2) medical students paid their professors solely and wholly. Diplomas in medicine were practically for sale.
What turned things around were these developments: (1) Europe-trained American doctors had their voice heard and respected on their merits. (2) Philanthropists like John D. Rockefeller were somehow persuaded to underwrite the advancement of American medicine in the absence of government funding. Interestingly, Rockefeller himself stubbornly trusted and used homeopathic medicine.
Today, Harvard Medical School is at the forefront of medical education and research. Tomorrow, however, will not be less challenging than today or yesterday.
In the early 1870s, Harvard Medical School was still lagging behind science. At least one of its professors of physiology professed ignorance of the microscope. Meanwhile, Harvard demanded no prior science training from its prospective medical students. Indeed, its graduates could afford to have flunked 40% of their medical courses.
In this regard, Harvard Medical School was not alone, unfortunately. Its peers such as Yale also failed to make the grade. Why? Because (1) medicine was taught and practiced as folk medicine, and (2) medical students paid their professors solely and wholly. Diplomas in medicine were practically for sale.
What turned things around were these developments: (1) Europe-trained American doctors had their voice heard and respected on their merits. (2) Philanthropists like John D. Rockefeller were somehow persuaded to underwrite the advancement of American medicine in the absence of government funding. Interestingly, Rockefeller himself stubbornly trusted and used homeopathic medicine.
Today, Harvard Medical School is at the forefront of medical education and research. Tomorrow, however, will not be less challenging than today or yesterday.
Author: renqiulan
I don't feel I'm obliged to disclose my profession on social media. I'm always open to exchange of ideas, though.
之前，医学治疗就是给病人放血：）？？？
可以被AI取代。我预期，为保证医生的高收入和社会地位，AMA会想尽办法抵御AI的威胁，限制它的使用。但终究会有挡不住的那一天。
in 1928, was an exceptional milestone in the development of medicine. It was much more important than building up a few medical schools or hospitals.
会不会欢迎？可以很欢迎，但前提是，有立法保证职业司机不失业，依然呆在驾驶室（哪怕睡觉也行）。
the discovery of penicillins possible. That's the big picture I care about at this time.
group of antibiotics.
Fleming discovered it, people had not ability to analyze the chermical structures in details, and they simply called it penicillin.
belittle the importance of basic research.