3.2.3
Physicians, Surgeons & Nurses
Changes for Physicians and Surgeons After the Rennaissance
Changes for Physicians and Surgeons After the Rennaissance
Surgeons’ status began to improve towards the end of the Middle Ages and doctors’ training also improved. The ideas of the four humours and miasmas remained common, but there was growing awareness that dirt and disease were connected.
College of Physicians
College of Physicians
- The College of Physicians was set up in 1518. Most British doctors were trained here and they were still learning Galen’s works.
- In the 18th century, most doctors still believed in the four humours or that disease was spread through ‘bad air’ (miasmas).
- Doctors got a license if they were trained at the college of physicians.
- Quack doctors did not receive this license, but some unlicensed doctors were also good doctors.
Florence Nightingale
Florence Nightingale
- Florence Nightingale (born in 1820) helped nursing to become professional.
- Her work with 38 nurses (chosen by her) in the Crimean War in 1854 reduced death rates hugely because of her improvements in the hygiene of wards.
- Following the work of Nightingale, a higher level of cleanliness and organisation was demanded from hospitals.
- Hospitals began to create pharmacies which could provide medicine.
Nursing
Nursing
- When Nightingale got back from war, she published a book “Notes on Nursing”.
- The status of nursing was enhanced as they were expected to care for patients and assist doctors.
- The Nightingale School of Nursing was set up in St Thomas’ Hospital in London.
Surgeons
Surgeons
- By this point in time, there were 2 main types of surgeon:
- Professional surgeons, who had trained at university and were expensive and well paid.
- Barber surgeons, who were unqualified and not very well respected.
- Surgeons’ status began to improve and in 1800, the London College of Surgeons was set up. It created training standards for surgeons.
1Medicine in Medieval England
1.1Ideas about the Cause of Disease & Illness
1.2Approaches to Prevention & Treatment
2The Medical Renaissance in England
2.1Ideas about the Cause of Disease & Illness
2.2Approaches to Prevention & Treatment
3Medicine in 18th & 19th Century Britain
3.1Ideas about the Cause of Disease & Illness
3.2Approaches to Prevention & Treatment
4Medicine in Modern Britain
4.1Modern Understanding of Disease
4.2Approaches to Prevention & Treatment
5Treatment in WW1
6Themes in Medicine
7Some Extra Context (Not Compulsory for Exam)
7.1Medieval Medicine
Jump to other topics
1Medicine in Medieval England
1.1Ideas about the Cause of Disease & Illness
1.2Approaches to Prevention & Treatment
2The Medical Renaissance in England
2.1Ideas about the Cause of Disease & Illness
2.2Approaches to Prevention & Treatment
3Medicine in 18th & 19th Century Britain
3.1Ideas about the Cause of Disease & Illness
3.2Approaches to Prevention & Treatment
4Medicine in Modern Britain
4.1Modern Understanding of Disease
4.2Approaches to Prevention & Treatment
5Treatment in WW1
6Themes in Medicine
7Some Extra Context (Not Compulsory for Exam)
7.1Medieval Medicine
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