Overview: Medicine 1900-1949

Overview: Medicine 1900-1949

Overview

The twentieth century was a period of rapid scientific development and unprecedented progress in the biomedical sciences. During the first half of the twentieth century, advances in science—especially in microbiology, immunology, biochemistry, endocrinology, and nutrition—revolutionized medical theory and practice. Even though anesthesia and antiseptic techniques had transformed surgery in the nineteenth century, surgeons could not cope with blood loss, shock, or postsurgical infections until well into the twentieth century. Advances in biochemistry and physiology led to the development of more precise diagnostic tests and more effective therapies. The development of new instruments and laboratory techniques accelerated the growth of specialization within the medical profession and led to major changes in clinical medicine.

The identification and isolation of the microbial agents that caused many of the most important infectious diseases facilitated public health campaigns against epidemic diseases. Advances in preventive and therapeutic medicine correlated with remarkable changes in disease patterns and mortality rates. Striking increases in life expectancy also reflected broader social factors, such as improvements in nutrition, housing, sanitation, and health education. At the turn of the century, life expectancy in the United States was only about 50 years. By the 1950s, however, life expectancy was approaching 70 years.

Overview: Medicine 1900-1949 article

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