Body, Mind & Health: Historical Perspectives for Future Professionals

Whether you're an aspiring medical professional or are interested in history or science, this program will introduce you to the historical and ongoing debates that have shaped the field of medicine into the art and science that it is today. You'll study the changing nature of biomedical and psychiatric disease in American history and consider how the profession of medicine has evolved from the 18th century through today. You'll then focus on specific diseases such as tuberculosis, anorexia nervosa, and AIDS to explore the ways in which medical ideas and clinical practice are shaped by the values of the times. In addition, you'll Research a disease of your own choosing and delve into the ways contemporary clinicians approach its diagnosis and treatment. Examine how gender, race, and social class influence doctors and their patients. Discuss the role of technology in medical practice. Note: This is not a laboratory class.