Medical History

Who was the first male midwife? In the 16th Century, the “”man-midwife””- a forerunner of the obstetrician – began to emerge. The Scottish surgeon William Smellie authored a widely read midwifery manual and designed an improved version of the forceps. Read more on www.bbc.co.uk Although women historically predominated the area of midwifery, which has been … Read more

Who is the father of midwifery? William Smellie (1697 ? 1763) was born and educated in the town of Lanark, in Scotland, and probably received his medical education in Glasgow. In 1720 he commenced practice as a surgeon and apothecary in Lanark. He remained a country practitioner for almost twenty years. Read more on rcogheritage.wordpress.com … Read more

How many hospitals were there by 1500? Between 1000 and 1500, more than 700 hospitals were started in England. Many hospitals were centres of rest where sick people might recover in quiet and clean surroundings. Some were small, with enough space for only 12 patients (the same number as Jesus had disciples). Read more on … Read more

What hospital is GREY’s anatomy based on? Seattle Grace The focus of the show revolves around the doctors working at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, formerly Seattle Grace Mercy West Hospital, which was formerly Seattle Grace Hospital (you get the idea). Although the show is mostly filmed in LA, the hospital is based on Seattle’s own … Read more

What is the oldest medical center in the US? Bellevue NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue is the oldest hospital in America. We trace our roots back to 1736 when a six-bed infirmary opened on the second floor of the New York City Almshouse. Read more on www.nychealthandhospitals.org When it comes to healthcare, the US has a … Read more

How long have urgent cares been around? 1970s Urgent care clinics have been around in the United States since the 1970s. When people can’t get an appointment to see their primary care physician, or if they don’t have one, they typically go to the ER. Read more on www.ajmc.com The use of urgent care facilities … Read more

When did midwives become illegal? Midwives in most states practiced without government control until the 1920s. Even today, regulation of midwifery varies from state to state. Medicine did not become professionalized in the U.S. until the last half of the 1800s. When it did, it did so in a spirit of competition. Read more on … Read more

Did apothecaries perform surgery? Colonial apothecaries were what we think of as doctors. They treated patients, made and prescribed medicines, made house calls, and taught apprentices. Some even performed surgeries – and remember most surgeries occurred at the time without anesthesia. Read more on mrnussbaum.com A pharmacist or a person who makes and distributes medications … Read more