Historical Development of the field

Index Medicus (1879)

Mid-Late 1800s (1879) first textbook linking hygiene and social factors

The first medical sociology textbook

Medical Sociology (1909) focused on doctors as a unique social class with a unique culture, James Warbasse

Russell Foundation Program Funds (1949)

1949 foundation funded program to improve the utilization of social science research in medical practices.

The 4 Eras of Epidemiological Research

1. Early 19th Century (Sanitary Era): sewage/drainage system (e.g. cholera) when sanitation was introduced.

2. Late 19th - Mid 20th Century (Infectious Disease Era): focused on breaking chains of transmissions between agents of disease & hosts of disease.

   1. Diseases: influenza, polio

3. Late 20th Century (Chronic Disease Era): focused on change in social environment including: attitudes/values in context of living.

   1. Washing hands, healthy habits.

   2. Diseases: heart disease, and diabetes.

4. Eco-Epidemiology Era (21st Century): focused on preventing/dealing w/ illness in a molecular level & socio-behavioral level in a population/global level. Through a multi-disciplinary approach.

   1. Diseases: COVID-19
      

The Social System (1951)

Talcott Parsons (1951) - examining the function of medicine and the sick role,

Greek philosopher of science during 5th century bc, wrote about the relationship between health (humors) and environmental problems

Alcmaeon