Hippocrates

The study of medical history has vanished from most U.S. medical schools. Is this a surprise? The number of discoveries in molecular biology has exploded. The field of biochemistry grows relentlessly. Newly defined diseases are described in detail. Medical technology demands greater knowledge in interpreting its findings. These expanding fields and others compete for time in the curriculum. Why keep what has no practical value today or for tomorrow?A case for medical history in the curriculum cannot be made easily by arguing that it will give medical students a better grasp of modern medical science or of modern practice. . . .