The Path For Improvement In Medicine

Medicine has been constantly changing since the beginning of its practice; through different ideals and standards it is considered to have evolved into what it is known nowadays as healing, treatments and sometimes unknown. In the beginning, medicine was perceived to be a profession that did not yield to any stable job or income. As time passed, many physicians that were not specifically at the top of the rank started to look for improvement in the system. After many years of amending and reconstructing, the system brought rise to a longer education and higher expectations.

Although physicians were seen as unstable and had to look for other opportunities in politics and commerce, they were expected to follow certain rules to be respected and well known. As explained in Chekhov’s essay doctors depended on their patients and not on their colleagues for work, meaning that their relationship was expected to be outstanding with their convalescent so that more cases increase their reputation. Many doctors were part of Congress and four of them signed the Declaration of Independence in search for more opportunities. In the United States many were able to practice medicine with a diploma that was obtained through some sessions and a few years; doctors were also modest and attentive to their patients. In Europe; however, physicians had more authority and a higher social standing, there was also more development.Since success in the medical field did not merely depend on talent, but also on status and family background, many doctors that were not part of the elite wanted to reform the system. There was a raising in the top physicians but mostly in the middle class causing the bottom to be eliminated. In prestigious universities such as Harvard and University of Pennsylvania there were under 8 percent of students that were choosing to be doctors because this was not a money making specialty. Good doctors were considered those who were bold and quick, they were also dubious because other physicians would try to steal patients. Reform started with larger ambitions, ideas and a better economy.

The path for improvement was not an easy one; there was now a higher level of education expected before entering medical schools and professors were paid better. In contrast to America, Germany served as a model to follow since it had great schools with many subjects to teach in labs. Instead of passing most of the standardized tests in medical school, all the courses had to be passed to become a doctor. More hospitals and institutions were built for research and clinical practice and more women were joining the profession. Full time in academic positions were now available for excelling schools and there was training included to better prepare future doctors.Furthermore; there have been many changes in the medical field, yet individuals that were not being represented and treated as deserved were the ones that sought for enhancement. Nowadays, doctors are portrayed to be less attached to their patients and more to their peers while back then there was hatred and envy for others who practiced the same profession. It is difficult to say which strategy is best since both have their pros and cons; science keeps evolving and socialization is an unstoppable cycle that continues to educate individuals and modifies the medical field along with its physicians, yet nothing will ever be perfect.