Changes in Health and Medicine, c.1340 to the Present Day

Medieval Medicine

Influenced by religious beliefs, superstitions, and limited understanding of the human body, characterized by a blend of ancient teachings, religious beliefs, and empirical observations.

Islamic Golden Age

Period (8th to 14th centuries) marked by significant contributions to medicine, preserving and expanding upon medical knowledge of ancient civilizations, advancements in anatomy, pharmacology, and surgery.

The Black Death

Devastating pandemic (1347-1351) caused by Yersinia pestis, led to millions of deaths, spurred advancements in public health measures like quarantine and sanitation practices.

Universities and Medical Education

Emergence of universities in Europe during the medieval period, providing formal education in medicine, centers of medical learning and scholarship.

Herbal Remedies and Folk Medicine

Significant role in medieval medical practice, based on traditional knowledge passed down through generations, cultivated medicinal plants for treatments.

Surgical Advances

Despite limited understanding, medieval surgeons performed procedures like amputations, wound care, and setting broken bones, common use of cautery and herbal remedies.

Medical Texts and Manuscripts

More medical books were made and shared in the Middle Ages. Copies of old medical writings in Greek, Latin, and Arabic were spread, helping keep and pass on medical know-how.

Renaissance

Period (15th-16th centuries) marked by a resurgence of interest in classical knowledge, transition to more scientific and empirical approaches to medicine.

Printing Press

Invention by Johannes Gutenberg in the mid-15th century revolutionized dissemination of knowledge, including medical texts, making medical knowledge more accessible.

Anatomical Studies

Renaissance artists and anatomists made significant contributions to understanding human anatomy, dissections of human cadavers led to more accurate anatomical drawings.

Development of the Scientific Method

Formulation during the Scientific Revolution, systematic approach based on observation, hypothesis testing, and experimentation, transformed medicine emphasizing evidence-based practice.

Humanism and Medicine

During the Renaissance, people stressed the value of personal experience and thinking for themselves, which changed how doctors were trained and how they worked. They started to rely more on what they saw and tried out instead of just following old teachings.

Germ Theory

19th-century theory by Louis Pasteur and Robert Koch, established microorganisms as the cause of diseases, paved the way for modern microbiology, vaccines, and antibiotics.

Invention of the microscope

In the 17th century by Antonie van Leeuwenhoek allowed for the discovery of microorganisms and the exploration of microscopic anatomy. This laid the foundation for the field of microbiology and the understanding of infectious diseases.

Discovery of Antibiotics

Alexander Fleming's discovery of penicillin in 1928 revolutionized treatment of bacterial infections, leading to the development of many other antibiotics.

Development of Vaccination

18th century, Edward Jenner developed the smallpox vaccine, a significant milestone in the history of medicine which lead to eventual eradication of smallpox.

Genomics and Personalized Medicine

Completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003 enabled personalized medicine, tailoring treatments to individual genetic makeup for more targeted therapies.

Stem Cell Research

Utilizes the regenerative properties of stem cells to treat diseases and injuries.

Anesthesia

Eliminating pain and enabling more complex and invasive procedures

first anesthetics to be used in surgery

Chloroform

Precision Oncology

Uses genomic profiling to identify genetic mutations in cancer for targeted therapies.

Immunotherapy

Employs the body's immune system to target and eliminate cancer cells.

Digital Health and Telemedicine

Utilizes technology for remote healthcare delivery and improved access to medical services.

Discovery of DNA Structure

In 1953, Watson and Crick figured out the structure of DNA, the stuff that carries our genetic info. This breakthrough set up modern genetics and biology, helping us understand how traits are passed on and develop new ways to treat genetic diseases.

Advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning

Enhances healthcare through AI algorithms for tasks like medical imaging analysis and personalized care.

CRISPR Gene Editing

Revolutionizes genetics by enabling precise modifications to the genome for treating diseases.

Global Health Challenges

Highlights significant health threats like infectious diseases and the importance of international cooperation in addressing them.

The completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003

Marked a major milestone in genomics, enabling researchers to sequence and analyze the entire human genome, treatments are tailored to an individual's genetic makeup, leading to more targeted and effective therapies

Precision oncology

Utilizes genomic profiling and molecular diagnostics to identify specific genetic mutations driving cancer growth

Global Health Challenges

Emerging infectious diseases such as SARS, MERS, Ebola, and Zika, as well as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. These outbreaks have underscored the importance of international cooperation, pandemic preparedness, and public health infrastructure in addressing global health threats.