HISTORY of Medicine and Medical Ethics

This flashcard set focuses on key terms and concepts from the lecture on the history of medicine and medical ethics, providing definitions and insights into the evolution of medical practices and their ethical implications.

Medicine

The science and practice of the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.

Ethics

Moral principles that govern a person's behavior or the conducting of an activity.

Pharmacopeia

A book containing a list of medicinal drugs with their effects and directions for their use.

Molecular Biology

The branch of biology that deals with the structure and function of the macromolecules essential to life.

Shaman

A person regarded as having access to, and influence in, the world of good and evil spirits.

Trepanation

The ancient practice of drilling or excising a hole in the skull.

Bloodletting

The withdrawal of blood from a patient to cure or prevent illness.

Ancient Egyptians

A civilization known for significant contributions to medicine, such as surgical techniques.

Hippocrates

Considered the father of modern medicine; known for the Hippocratic Corpus.

Galen

A prominent Greek physician who advanced the understanding of anatomy and physiology.

Acupuncture

A form of alternative medicine that involves inserting needles into the body.

Herbal Medicine

The use of plants for therapeutic purposes.

Polio

A highly infectious viral disease that can lead to paralysis.

Avicenna

A Persian polymath who made significant contributions to various fields including medicine.

Aging Population

An increase in the number of older individuals in a population.

Tuskegee Syphilis Study

A notorious medical study conducted on African American men to observe the progression of untreated syphilis.

Informed Consent

A process to ensure that a patient understands the risks and benefits before undergoing a procedure.

Nuremberg Code

A set of research ethics principles for human experimentation.

Belmont Report

A report outlining ethical principles and guidelines for research involving human subjects.

Epidemic

A widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community at a particular time.

The Black Death

A devastating global epidemic of bubonic plague that occurred in the 14th century.

Renaissance

A period of great cultural and scientific change in Europe, marking a revival of interest in art and education.

Public Health

The science of protecting and improving the health of people in a community.

Antibiotics

Medications used to treat bacterial infections.

Cuneiform Writing

One of the earliest systems of writing, developed by the ancient Sumerians.

Hammurabi's Code

One of the oldest deciphered writings of significant length in the world, containing laws that governed ancient Babylon.

Mummies

Bodies that have been embalmed or preserved after death.

Tuberculosis

An infectious bacterial disease that primarily affects the lungs.

Cholera

An acute bacterial infection caused by ingestion of contaminated water or food.

Acupuncture Meridians

Pathways in the body that acupuncture practitioners believe carry energy.

Philosophy of Medicine

An exploration of the fundamental nature, purposes, and implications of medicine.

Edema

Swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in your body's tissues.

Barber Surgeons

Early practitioners who performed surgeries and other medical procedures, often without formal medical training.

Biomedical Research

Research aimed at understanding disease mechanisms and developing new therapies.

Physician's Oath

A vow traditionally taken by physicians to uphold specific ethical standards.

Epidemiology

The study of how diseases affect the health and illness of populations.

Revolutionary Medicine

A period marked by significant advances and changes in medical practices and theories.

Nostalgia in Medicine

The sentimental longing for the past within the field of medicine.

Diagnosis

The identification of the nature of an illness or other problem through examination.

Health Disparities

Differences in health outcomes among various population groups.

Access to Care

The ability of individuals to obtain health care services when needed.

Lifestyle Choices

Decisions made by individuals that affect their health and well-being.

Managed Care

A health care delivery system that aims to manage cost, utilization, and quality.

Traditional Healing Practices

Historical methods of treatment that vary by culture and location.

Syphilis

A sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum.

Mortality Rate

The number of deaths in a given population during a specific time period.

Alternative Therapies

Non-traditional treatment modalities used in place of conventional medicine.

Health Resources

The various assets that are available to address health care needs.

Hippocratic Corpus

A collection of texts associated with the physician Hippocrates and his teachings.

Chemical Pharmacology

The study of the chemical nature and effects of drugs.

Residency Training

Advanced education for medical school graduates in a chosen specialty.

Professional Identity

The perception and understanding of being a member of a specific profession.

Medical History

The study of the historical development of medicine throughout time.

Cultural Competence

The ability to understand, communicate with, and effectively interact with people across cultures.

Surgical Techniques

Methods and practices used during surgical procedures.

Empirical Evidence

Information acquired by observation or experimentation.

Vaginal Delivery Issues

Complications that may arise during the process of giving birth.

Scientific Method

A systematic process for gathering knowledge and testing hypotheses.

Neuroscience

The scientific study of the nervous system.

Bioethical Principles

Fundamental concepts used to guide ethical decision-making in health care.

Historical Context

The background information necessary to understand a particular event or concept as it relates to its time.

Patient-Centered Care

An approach to health care that respects and responds to individual patient preferences, needs, and values.

Innovative Treatments

New and original methods or substances used to treat diseases.

Community Health

A field of public health that focuses on the health of individuals within a defined community.

Medieval Medicine

The medical practices and beliefs that developed in Europe during the Middle Ages.

Circadian Rhythms

Physical, mental, and behavioral changes that follow a daily cycle and affect health.

Pioneer Physicians

Early medical practitioners who contributed significantly to the field of medicine.

Surgical Outcomes

Results and consequences of surgical procedures.

Historical Impact of Disease

The ways in which diseases have shaped societies throughout history.

Apothecaries

Early practitioners who dispensed medicinal drugs and herbs.

Social Determinants of Health

Conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age.

Antiseptic Techniques

Methods to prevent infection during medical procedures.

Evidence-Based Medicine

Clinical decision-making based on systemic review of the best available evidence.

Patient Autonomy

The right of patients to make informed choices about their medical care.

HIV/AIDS

A virus that attacks the immune system, leading to significant health issues.

Demographics of Disease

Data related to population characteristics and disease impacts.

Health Care Costs

The expenses related to medical services and treatments.