History of Medicine Archives - Center FamFoot https://www.familyfootcenter.net/category/history-of-medicine/ Medicine Blog Fri, 08 Mar 2024 11:38:33 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1.1 https://www.familyfootcenter.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/cropped-ulsssyzi-32x32.png History of Medicine Archives - Center FamFoot https://www.familyfootcenter.net/category/history-of-medicine/ 32 32 Demystifying the Thesis Writing Process for Medical Professionals https://www.familyfootcenter.net/demystifying-the-thesis-writing-process-for-medical-professionals/ Fri, 08 Mar 2024 11:38:30 +0000 https://www.familyfootcenter.net/?p=168 Introduction: In the realm of medical education, the journey towards becoming a proficient practitioner is not solely marked by clinical rotations and hands-on experience. Integral […]

The post Demystifying the Thesis Writing Process for Medical Professionals appeared first on Center FamFoot.

]]>
Introduction:

In the realm of medical education, the journey towards becoming a proficient practitioner is not solely marked by clinical rotations and hands-on experience. Integral to this progression is the undertaking of a thesis – a scholarly endeavor that not only showcases one’s comprehension of medical concepts but also contributes to the collective knowledge of the field. However, for many medical professionals, the prospect of navigating the thesis writing process can seem daunting. In this article, we aim to demystify this process, offering insights and strategies to aid medical professionals in their thesis writing journey.

Understanding the Thesis Writing Process

In the landscape of medical education, the thesis represents far more than a mere academic requirement; it embodies the culmination of scholarly rigor and intellectual inquiry essential to advancing the field. At its core, a medical thesis serves as a testament to one’s capacity for independent research and critical analysis, functioning as a vehicle through which to explore, evaluate, and contribute to the vast expanse of medical knowledge.

Central to the thesis writing process is the formulation of a clear and concise research question or hypothesis. This initial step lays the foundation upon which the entire thesis is built, guiding the direction of inquiry and shaping subsequent research endeavors. A well-crafted research question not only serves to delineate the scope of the study but also provides a framework for the systematic exploration of pertinent literature and empirical data.

A comprehensive literature review represents an integral component of the thesis writing process, serving as a springboard for scholarly inquiry and theoretical exploration. Through a meticulous examination of existing research and scholarly discourse, medical professionals gain invaluable insights into the current state of knowledge within their chosen field of study. Moreover, the literature review serves to contextualize the research question within the broader landscape of medical research, identifying gaps, controversies, and areas warranting further investigation.

Armed with a firm grasp of existing literature, the next phase of the thesis writing process entails the development and implementation of a rigorous methodology. This stage demands careful consideration of research design, data collection methods, and analytical techniques, with an emphasis on methodological rigor and validity. Whether employing qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-method approaches, medical professionals must demonstrate a nuanced understanding of research methodologies and their applicability to the research question at hand.

Following data collection, the analysis of results represents a pivotal juncture in the thesis writing process. Here, medical professionals are tasked with interpreting empirical findings, discerning patterns and trends, and drawing meaningful conclusions that address the research question or hypothesis. Statistical analysis, when applicable, serves as a powerful tool for elucidating relationships and associations within the data, bolstering the credibility and robustness of the study’s findings.

Ultimately, the culmination of the thesis writing process lies in the crafting of a cogent conclusion that synthesizes key findings, reflects upon their implications, and contributes to the advancement of medical knowledge. A well-articulated conclusion not only serves to reaffirm the significance of the research but also invites further inquiry and exploration within the field. By elucidating the broader implications of their findings, medical professionals affirm their role as scholars and stewards of knowledge, poised to make meaningful contributions to the ever-evolving landscape of medical research and practice.

Challenges Faced by Medical Professionals in Thesis Writing

The journey of thesis writing for medical professionals is not devoid of obstacles; rather, it is fraught with a myriad of challenges that necessitate resilience, perseverance, and strategic navigation. Chief among these challenges is the perennial issue of time constraints, which looms large over the heads of busy medical professionals juggling the demands of clinical duties, academic responsibilities, and personal commitments. The relentless rhythm of patient care, coupled with the exigencies of research and academic deadlines, often leaves little room for the sustained focus and concentration required for effective thesis writing. As such, medical professionals must navigate a delicate balancing act, allocating precious time and energy judiciously to ensure progress on their thesis amidst competing priorities.

Beyond the constraints of time, many medical professionals grapple with a lack of prior experience in conducting extensive research or synthesizing complex medical literature. While adept at diagnosing ailments and administering treatments, the transition to scholarly inquiry can prove daunting for those accustomed to the clinical arena. The nuances of research methodology, from formulating research questions to designing data collection protocols, may seem foreign and intimidating to individuals whose expertise lies primarily in the realm of patient care. Moreover, the process of synthesizing vast swathes of medical literature into a cohesive narrative requires a unique set of skills and competencies not necessarily cultivated through clinical training alone. Consequently, medical professionals embarking on the thesis writing journey must be prepared to confront a steep learning curve, investing time and effort in acquiring the requisite research skills and scholarly acumen necessary for success.

In addition to the challenges posed by time constraints and lack of research experience, medical professionals must also contend with the intricacies of statistical analysis and data interpretation inherent to the research process. For many, the prospect of crunching numbers and deciphering statistical significance can elicit feelings of trepidation and uncertainty, particularly among those with limited exposure to research methodologies. The complexities of statistical software programs, coupled with the need to accurately interpret findings and draw valid conclusions, can prove formidable obstacles for individuals unaccustomed to the rigors of empirical inquiry. As such, medical professionals must be prepared to invest time and effort in familiarizing themselves with statistical techniques and methodologies, seeking guidance and support from experienced mentors or statisticians where necessary.

In conclusion, while the path to thesis completion may be beset with challenges, medical professionals possess the resilience, intellect, and determination to surmount these obstacles and emerge triumphant. By acknowledging the constraints of time, addressing gaps in research expertise, and embracing the intricacies of statistical analysis, medical professionals can navigate the thesis writing process with confidence and competence, ultimately contributing to the advancement of medical knowledge and the betterment of patient care.

Strategies for Overcoming Thesis Writing Challenges

In the face of the formidable challenges inherent in thesis writing, medical professionals can leverage a repertoire of strategies to navigate the process with efficacy and finesse. Chief among these strategies is the cultivation of effective time management skills, essential for balancing the demands of clinical practice with the rigors of research. By adopting a structured approach to time allocation, medical professionals can delineate dedicated blocks of time for thesis-related activities, safeguarding against the encroachment of clinical duties and other obligations. Whether through the use of calendars, planners, or time-tracking apps, the implementation of a robust time management system empowers individuals to make steady progress on their thesis while honoring their professional commitments.

Furthermore, engaging in systematic literature reviews represents a cornerstone strategy for overcoming thesis writing challenges. By immersing themselves in the extant body of medical literature, medical professionals gain invaluable insights into the current state of knowledge within their chosen field of study, identifying seminal works, seminal studies, and key concepts that inform their research endeavors. Additionally, seeking guidance from experienced mentors can provide invaluable support and direction, offering sage advice on navigating the complexities of scholarly inquiry and offering feedback on drafts and revisions.

Collaboration with peers represents another potent strategy for surmounting thesis writing challenges. By forging connections with fellow medical professionals embarking on their own thesis journeys, individuals can leverage collective expertise and share insights, fostering a collaborative spirit of mutual support and encouragement. Group study sessions, peer review workshops, and virtual writing circles offer opportunities for constructive feedback, brainstorming sessions, and accountability, imbuing the thesis writing process with camaraderie and camaraderie.

Moreover, leveraging institutional resources for statistical analysis and research methodology workshops can provide medical professionals with the tools and techniques necessary to navigate the intricacies of data analysis and interpretation. Many academic institutions offer workshops, seminars, and online resources dedicated to research methodology, statistical software programs, and data visualization techniques, providing medical professionals with access to expert guidance and hands-on training. By availing themselves of these resources, individuals can bolster their research acumen and confidence, equipping themselves with the skills necessary for success in the thesis writing process.

In conclusion, while the challenges of thesis writing may be formidable, medical professionals possess the resilience, resourcefulness, and ingenuity to overcome them. By embracing strategies such as effective time management, systematic literature reviews, collaboration with peers, and leveraging institutional resources, individuals can navigate the thesis writing process with confidence and competence, ultimately contributing to the advancement of medical knowledge and the betterment of patient care.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, while the thesis writing process may appear formidable at first glance, it is by no means insurmountable for medical professionals. By understanding the components of a thesis, acknowledging common challenges, and implementing strategic approaches, individuals can navigate this journey with confidence and competence. Embracing the thesis writing process not only enhances one’s scholarly aptitude but also fosters a deeper understanding of medical concepts and contributes to the advancement of the medical field as a whole.

The post Demystifying the Thesis Writing Process for Medical Professionals appeared first on Center FamFoot.

]]>
The Hormonal Journey: Understanding and Managing Hormonal Changes in Women https://www.familyfootcenter.net/the-hormonal-journey-understanding-and-managing-hormonal-changes-in-women/ Thu, 31 Aug 2023 11:29:36 +0000 https://www.familyfootcenter.net/?p=149 From the first whispers of puberty to the life-altering transition of menopause, the hormonal journey is a remarkable passage that every woman embarks upon. These […]

The post The Hormonal Journey: Understanding and Managing Hormonal Changes in Women appeared first on Center FamFoot.

]]>
From the first whispers of puberty to the life-altering transition of menopause, the hormonal journey is a remarkable passage that every woman embarks upon. These invisible messengers, known as hormones, wield incredible power over various aspects of a woman’s life, from her physical appearance to her emotional landscape. This article delves into the intricate world of hormonal changes, offering insights into how they influence different stages of life and providing valuable tips for managing their effects.

Hormones 101: A Brief Overview

Before we dive into the roller coaster of hormonal changes, let’s grasp the fundamentals. Hormones are the body’s chemical messengers, orchestrating a symphony of functions that regulate growth, mood, metabolism, and reproduction. They work in harmony, much like a finely tuned orchestra, ensuring the body functions seamlessly.

Puberty: The First Wave of Changes

The Blossoming of Puberty

Ah, puberty — a whirlwind of changes that announces the journey into womanhood. Hormones like estrogen and progesterone awaken from their slumber, triggering physical transformations. Breasts bud, hips widen, and bodies start to bear the markers of adulthood. It’s a metamorphosis that’s both thrilling and bewildering.

Dealing with Puberty Challenges

Yet, as with any adventure, challenges arise. Acne, mood swings, and the unpredictability of growth spurts can leave anyone feeling a bit overwhelmed. It’s essential to remember that everyone’s path through puberty is unique, and this journey isn’t meant to be travelled alone. Seeking guidance and support can make a world of difference during this time of change.

Monthly Roller Coaster: Navigating the Menstrual Cycle

Unveiling the Menstrual Cycle

Enter the menstrual cycle, a monthly ritual that embodies the essence of womanhood. Hormones dance a delicate choreography, orchestrating the release of eggs and preparing the uterine lining for a potential pregnancy. When pregnancy doesn’t occur, menstruation ensues, marking the end of one cycle and the beginning of another.

Coping with Menstrual Symptoms

Yet, this dance isn’t always graceful. Cramps, bloating, and mood fluctuations can join the performance, stealing the spotlight. Don’t fret; there are ways to make these unwelcome guests more manageable. Self-care, exercise, and even certain dietary adjustments can be your allies during these times.

Miracle of Life: Hormones and Pregnancy

Hormonal Changes During Pregnancy

Pregnancy – a miraculous journey that showcases the marvels of hormonal orchestration. Hormones surge to nurture the developing life, aiding in fetal growth and preparing the body for childbirth. From the initial surge of hCG to the steady stream of progesterone, each hormone plays a vital role in this wondrous symphony.

Managing Pregnancy Hormones

Yet, along with the wonders of pregnancy come changes that might seem daunting. Morning sickness, mood swings, and an ever-expanding waistline can challenge even the most prepared mothers-to-be. Embracing these changes and staying connected with healthcare providers can make the journey smoother.

Riding the Emotional Waves: Hormones and Mood Swings

Understanding Hormones and Emotions

Ever experienced an emotional roller coaster that defies explanation? Hormones often hold the reins. Estrogen and progesterone can influence neurotransmitters like serotonin, impacting mood and emotional well-being. This ebb and flow can lead to joyous highs and tearful lows.

Tips for Balancing Mood Fluctuations

Navigating mood swings requires patience and self-compassion. Engaging in regular physical activity, practicing mindfulness, and fostering a strong support network can provide effective tools for finding emotional equilibrium.

The Menopausal Transition: A New Chapter

Approaching Menopause

As the years march on, a new chapter unfolds: menopause. This natural transition marks the cessation of menstrual cycles, signaling the end of the reproductive years. Hormones like estrogen take a dip, leading to a series of changes that can be both liberating and challenging.

Navigating Menopausal Symptoms

Hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes can become unwelcome companions during menopause. However, this phase also opens doors to newfound freedom from monthly periods. Exploring hormone therapy, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and seeking emotional support can ease the journey.

Hormones and Mental Health: An Intertwined Connection

Impact of Hormones on Mental Well-being

The interplay between hormones and mental health is profound. Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels can influence conditions like anxiety and depression. Understanding this connection sheds light on the importance of holistic self-care.

Strategies for Supporting Mental Health

Prioritizing mental well-being involves nurturing a balanced lifestyle. Regular exercise, a nutrient-rich diet, mindfulness practices, and open conversations about mental health create a strong foundation for emotional resilience.

A Hairy Situation: Hormones and Hair Growth

The Hair-Hormone Relationship

Hair – an outward reflection of our inner hormonal symphony. Androgens, often considered male hormones, also play a role in women’s hair growth. Fluctuations can lead to changes in hair thickness, distribution, and even unwanted facial hair.

Managing Unwanted Hair Growth

Taming unwanted hair growth can be accomplished through various methods, from shaving and waxing to modern techniques like laser hair removal. Choosing the approach that aligns with your comfort and preferences empowers you to take control.

Complexion Chronicles: Hormones and Skin Changes

Skin Transformations Due to Hormones

Remember the radiant glow of pregnancy or the acne flare-ups during certain times of the month? Hormones influence skin health and appearance. Estrogen promotes collagen production, while androgens can trigger excess oil production, leading to breakouts.

Skincare Tips for Hormonally Induced Skin Issues

Crafting an effective skincare routine involves understanding your skin’s unique needs. Regular cleansing, proper hydration, and targeted treatments can help maintain a healthy complexion, even when hormones are in flux.

Fuel for the Fire: Hormones and Weight Management

Hormonal Influence on Metabolism and Weight

Ever wondered why weight management can be a relentless battle? Hormones hold some of the answers. Leptin and ghrelin regulate appetite, while thyroid hormones influence metabolism. Fluctuations can tip the scales of weight management.

Balancing Hormones for Weight Wellness

Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight involves a multifaceted approach. Nourishing your body with whole foods, staying physically active, managing stress, and prioritizing sleep collectively contribute to a harmonious hormonal environment.

Hormones and Energy Levels: Battling Fatigue

Understanding Hormonal Impact on Energy

Feeling perpetually fatigued despite a good night’s sleep? Hormones might be at play. Thyroid hormones, cortisol, and even reproductive hormones can influence energy levels. Understanding their rhythms can empower you to reclaim your vitality.

Boosting Energy Levels Naturally

Combatting fatigue involves a holistic approach. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress management, and healthy sleep habits synergize to combat hormonal-driven exhaustion and keep you energized throughout the day.

Hormones and Libido: Navigating Intimacy Changes

Hormonal Fluctuations and Sexual Desire

Intimacy and hormones are entwined in a dance of desire. Testosterone, often thought of as a male hormone, also impacts women’s libido. Fluctuations can lead to shifts in sexual desire and responsiveness.

Enhancing Intimacy Despite Hormonal Challenges

Prioritizing open communication with your partner, nurturing emotional intimacy, and exploring new avenues of pleasure can help maintain a fulfilling and satisfying intimate life, even when hormones throw a curveball.

Empowering Yourself: Taking Charge of Hormonal Health

Lifestyle Choices for Hormonal Balance

While hormones are a force to be reckoned with, you hold the reins of your lifestyle. Nourishing your body with nutrient-dense foods, engaging in regular physical activity, managing stress, and getting sufficient sleep create a solid foundation for hormonal equilibrium.

When to Seek Professional Help

Remember, you’re never alone on this journey. If hormonal imbalances become overwhelming, seeking the guidance of healthcare professionals is a proactive step. They can conduct assessments, offer tailored advice, and provide interventions to support your hormonal well-being.

Conclusion

The hormonal journey is a profound passage, rich with twists, turns, and transformations. Understanding the ebb and flow of hormones empowers you to navigate these changes with resilience and grace. By embracing your body’s intricate symphony and nurturing it through self-care and support, you can embark on this journey with confidence and embrace every chapter that unfolds.

The post The Hormonal Journey: Understanding and Managing Hormonal Changes in Women appeared first on Center FamFoot.

]]>
Twentieth Century Medicine https://www.familyfootcenter.net/twentieth-century-medicine/ Wed, 15 Dec 2021 12:53:00 +0000 https://www.familyfootcenter.net/?p=28 At the beginning of the twentieth century, medicine appeared to "stand on the shoulders" of these and other fine physicians.

The post Twentieth Century Medicine appeared first on Center FamFoot.

]]>
At the beginning of the twentieth century, medicine appeared to “stand on the shoulders” of these and other fine physicians. Since then, medical discoveries have followed one after another: insulin for diabetics, chemotherapy for cancer, hormone treatment for glandular dysfunction, antibiotics for tuberculosis, chloroquine for certain forms of malaria, dialysis for kidney disease, and open heart surgery and organ transplants. This list could go on and on.

But how close is medicine to achieving its goal now, at the beginning of the twenty-first century? Can it guarantee “an acceptable level of health for all people in the world”?

An unattainable goal?

Children climbing on the shoulders of their fellows find that they cannot reach all the apples: the juiciest apples still hang from the top of the tree. So, too, is medicine: it paces from one achievement to another, but the most coveted goal–good health for all–remains out of reach.

Although the European Commission reported in 1998 that “Europeans have never lived as long or in as good health as they do now,” it also found that “one in five people will die before they reach age 65. Approximately 40% of deaths will be from cancer, another 30% from cardiovascular disease… It is necessary to provide protection against new, health-threatening diseases”.

The German medical journal “Gesundheit” (“Gesundheit”) reported in November 1998 that infectious diseases like cholera and tuberculosis are of increasing concern. Why? Antibiotics “are no longer effective. More and more bacteria are no longer responding to at least one of the common drugs, and many are no longer responding to several at once.” Old diseases are returning and new ones are emerging, such as AIDS. The German pharmaceutical publication “Statistics ’97” reminds us: “For two-thirds of all known diseases (and there are about 20,000) no cure has yet been devised.

Can we hope for gene therapy?
More and more treatments keep being invented. For example, many believe that genetic engineering will be the key to solving many health problems. In the 1990s, the writings of American doctors such as Dr. French Anderson called genetic engineering “the newest field of medical research. The book “Gene Therapy” claimed that gene therapy could lead “medical science to new frontiers of innovation. This is especially true for the treatment of as yet incurable diseases” (“Heilen mit Genen”).

Scientists hope to eventually be able to treat congenital genetic diseases by injecting patients with corrective genes. It may even be possible to find a mechanism that causes malignant cancer cells to self-destruct. It is already possible to perform genetic diagnostics to determine a person’s predisposition to certain diseases. Some say that the next invention will be medications that take into account a patient’s genome. One famous researcher suggests that doctors will one day be able to “diagnose their patients’ diseases and inject them with the appropriate piece of DNA strand as a treatment.

But not everyone is convinced that gene therapy will be the magic wand for curing diseases in the future. In fact, according to surveys, some people don’t want their genetic characteristics analyzed at all. Many fear that gene therapy could prove to be a dangerous interference with nature.

Time will tell whether genetic engineering and other high-tech methods will live up to expectations. But don’t be too optimistic. The book “Clay Pedestal” describes a very familiar process: “A new treatment appears, it is lauded at medical meetings and in specialist journals. Its creators become famous among colleagues; the media sing the praises of progress. A period of euphoria – documented evidence in favor of a miracle cure – is followed by a period of gradual disappointment, which lasts from a few months to a few decades. Then a new remedy is found, which almost overnight replaces the previous one, which everyone is already convinced is ineffective and has stopped using it. Many of the remedies that doctors have stopped using because they are ineffective were not long ago considered common knowledge remedies.

The post Twentieth Century Medicine appeared first on Center FamFoot.

]]>
Medicine in the 17th and 19th centuries https://www.familyfootcenter.net/medicine-in-the-17th-and-19th-centuries/ Tue, 26 Oct 2021 12:48:00 +0000 https://www.familyfootcenter.net/?p=24 This period in the history of medicine is characterized by a mass of discoveries in the field of anatomy, pathological anatomy, and physiology.

The post Medicine in the 17th and 19th centuries appeared first on Center FamFoot.

]]>
Medicine in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries
This period in the history of medicine is characterized by a mass of discoveries in the field of anatomy, pathological anatomy, and physiology. The circulatory system, respiration, functioning of the brain and spinal cord, in particular the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid, as well as lymph flow are actively studied.

An important step in the development of medicine as a science is clinical teaching. Medicine is largely rid of mysticism; the teaching of spirits is no longer considered equal to evidence-based medicine. Although scientists of this time are not infallible, and make mistakes too, still the experienced, evidential approach prevails over fanciful inferences. Much of the credit for this goes to Giorgio Ballivi, an Italian physician and outstanding scientist of his time.

The first attempts are made to classify diseases, about which much information had already been obtained by that time – the most famous such work, an encyclopedia of medicine of the time, is B. de Sauvage’s Nosography.

Medicine in the nineteenth century
The nineteenth century can be called the time when medicine was fully formed as a science. There was no longer any place in medicine for mysticism, witchcraft, and ecclesiastical practices.

The knowledge accumulated and processed in the previous periods of history began to give practical results, expressed in the increase of life expectancy, the ability to resist epidemics, the victory over certain diseases, the reduction of infant mortality, which previously was terribly high.

The knowledge about the functioning of the human body already corresponds in many respects to modern ones, although the study of the nervous system and metabolic processes is actively continuing. Darwin’s theory of evolution, Mendel’s discovery of genetics, and the breakthrough in chemistry, thanks to which pharmacology is becoming a separate field, have had a great influence on medicine.

Equally important was the development of microbiology. The agents of many infectious diseases were identified (let’s not forget that until the beginning of the 20th century, infectious diseases were the main cause of death), which led to many practical discoveries, including aseptic and antiseptic. Cures for many of them were found. Most serious infections have also been defeated through the development of vaccination and sanitation. Knowledge of infections and their prevention, as well as the use of anesthesia, has improved survival rates in surgical procedures, providing a subsequent breakthrough in this area of medicine as well.

The Challenges of Time
As we can see, medicine as a science has come a long way, which has by no means been linear. But even mistakes, although costly, have ultimately served science – for example, chemistry, followed by pharmacology, evolved from alchemy, which had as its goal the search for immortality.

Nevertheless, it is too early to put an end to the development of medicine. Time has thrown up new challenges. Thanks to the increase in life expectancy, the structure of diseases has changed, and people began to fall ill with things that previously they simply did not live to see. But new challenges also mean new breakthroughs, new discoveries, and new achievements.

The post Medicine in the 17th and 19th centuries appeared first on Center FamFoot.

]]>
Renaissance medicine https://www.familyfootcenter.net/renaissance-medicine/ Tue, 02 Jun 2020 12:44:00 +0000 https://www.familyfootcenter.net/?p=21 The outstanding European (Swiss-born) physician who lived at the junction of the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance, an era of dissipating darkness that prefigured the Renaissance that followed

The post Renaissance medicine appeared first on Center FamFoot.

]]>
The outstanding European (Swiss-born) physician who lived at the junction of the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance, an era of dissipating darkness that prefigured the Renaissance that followed, was the man known by the pseudonym Paracelsus. His real name was Philip Aureolus Theophrastus Bombast von Hohenheim. He became famous for his revolutionary views on medicine, rejecting blind adherence to the authorities of antiquity. For this he was excommunicated from teaching and declared a fraud by his Nuremberg colleagues in the medical profession. In response to this accusation, Paracelsus offered to entrust him with the treatment of three patients who were deemed hopeless. In the city archive of Nuremberg there are documents certifying that he cured these three patients who were considered incurable, and in a fairly short time and for free – and restored his reputation. Paracelsus died suddenly and early, at the age of 48, and there is reason to believe that his death was not natural, but the result of an attack paid for by one of his jealous colleagues. During his short but very fruitful life Paracelsus managed to make a major contribution to the development of medicine as a science, gave an understanding of man as a holistic organism, a microcosm in macrocosm, breathed new life into pharmacology.

During the Renaissance, the understanding of medicine as a science returns and it begins its rapid growth, perhaps comparable in importance only with the ancient Greek period. Here are just a few of the scientists whose contributions to medicine at that time played a very important role and greatly contributed to the advances we enjoy today.

Leonardo Da Vinci – performed autopsies and sketched the results in detail. His drawings served as an anatomical atlas; he is credited with the discovery of the cerebral aqueduct, the maxillary sinus, and the cardiac conduction system.

Girolamo Frocastro was the progenitor of epidemiology. He described infectious diseases, including typhoid, syphilis, and tuberculosis, and the ways in which they spread.

André Vesalius – made a great contribution to the development of anatomy, described the cardiovascular system as it is known today.

Eustachius Bartolomeo – studied the organ of hearing (the Eustachian tube connecting the ear to the nasopharynx is named after him) and the vascular system.

Ambroise Paré – founder of military surgery, created a manual on treatment of various wounds caused by weapons (for example, before him it was believed that gunshot wounds should be treated with boiling oil and red-hot iron).

William Garvey was a prominent English physician, the founder of modern circulatory physiology, who also made discoveries in embryology.

This period was a time of accumulation of knowledge about human nature, as well as about various diseases and their treatments. All this basis prepared the scientific breakthrough that followed.

The post Renaissance medicine appeared first on Center FamFoot.

]]>
History of ancient medicine https://www.familyfootcenter.net/history-of-ancient-medicine/ Thu, 12 Sep 2019 12:40:00 +0000 https://www.familyfootcenter.net/?p=18 The first surviving medical sources are the papyri of ancient Egypt. At this time, medicine was already taught in special schools, although it was not separated from the higher powers

The post History of ancient medicine appeared first on Center FamFoot.

]]>
The first surviving medical sources are the papyri of ancient Egypt. At this time, medicine was already taught in special schools, although it was not separated from the higher powers, so the priests were engaged in it. The Egyptians knew the rules of hygiene, they knew how to use medicinal herbs, they knew how to cure and even make dentures (artificial teeth were attached to their own teeth with gold wire), they knew about cancer and made attempts to cure it, they knew about infectious diseases and ways of their transmission.

The founder of medicine as a science is considered to be ancient India. Just as in Egypt, human health here was subject to the gods and ruled by the elements. However, the ancient Indians already had an elaborate system for diagnosing diseases, and were able to perform surgery, and quite complex ones, such as cataract removal. The beginnings of plastic surgery were also laid here. It was Indian doctors who learned how to restore lost body parts, such as the nose or ears. In ancient India, great attention was paid to disease prevention, keeping the body healthy through hygiene, balanced diet and exercise. Indian doctors knew the properties of herbs and minerals and could prepare thousands of medicines from them. Obstetrics was also at the top of their game.

Chinese medicine is another example of a remarkably developed health care for the ancient world. In ancient China, rather complex surgical interventions were performed using anesthesia and aseptic principles. Chinese doctors also attached great importance to disease prevention, most likely it was in Ancient China where vaccination was first used – in any case, smallpox vaccinations were already practiced here 1000 years before Christ. This is also where diet therapy was developed – Chinese healers believed that food should serve not only as a source of energy, but also as a medicine.

Ancient Greek medicineThe medicine of ancient Greece was at a fairly high level of development, and some researchers consider it to be the foundation of modern medical science, although it is clear that much came to Greece from the same Egypt, China and India. Many medical terms are of Greek origin, such as “carcinoma,” and the word that has become synonymous with the word “physician” – “Aesculapius” comes from Asclepius, the Greek god of healing, and therefore he is considered the father of modern medical science. Hippocrates divided diseases into external and internal, determined their dependence on climatic conditions, age, and other factors. He developed a diagnostic system that included questioning the patient, examining him (including palpation, percussion and auscultation), and examining objective symptoms of disease. Hippocrates believed that the health of the body depends on fluids, and their imbalance leads to disease (humoral, i.e., fluid theory). Despite the fact that this theory has not been confirmed in general, it is still not entirely without basis – especially since the discovery of hormones. Hippocrates’ humoral theory was considered relevant for 2,000 years. Hippocrates also introduced the concept of “prognosis” – predicting the outcome of a disease based on observation of the course of the disease, assessment of the patient’s body, its defenses, etc. Ancient Greek surgery reaches great heights. Already at that time skull trepanation, thoracotomy and other operations were applied. An obstacle in the way of further development of surgery in Hippocrates’ time was the inability to stop bleeding during surgery, so some patients in need of extensive intervention, was considered certainly incurable. By the way, it has not been established whether the famous Hippocratic oath, which doctors give when starting medical practice, belongs to Hippocrates himself. In any case, no sources confirming or refuting this have been found.

In Ancient Rome, in general, medicine continued to develop in the direction set by Hippocrates. Physicians, particularly the famous Galen, came close to discovering the circulation of the blood. Galen described the respiratory system, the functions of the brain, and in general he was to medicine in ancient Rome what Hippocrates was to ancient Greece. Galen left behind many medical writings, even more perished, and his influence on medical thought at the time was enormous. Nevertheless, not all of Galen’s theories were correct, quite a few mistakes were made, and in this case the scientist’s great authority played a bad role, setting scientific thought on the wrong track for many years to come. However, it was in Ancient Rome that the connection between the occurrence of diseases and the human way of life was discovered, hydrotherapy and lithotomy were discovered, and the foundations of embryology were laid.

The post History of ancient medicine appeared first on Center FamFoot.

]]>