20 – Medicine, Roman and Modern

Modern Medicine's Debt to Classical Ancestry

The podcast explores the origins of Western medicine and highlights the influence of Greek and Roman doctors. Dr. Italia Pizer, a clinical fellow at UChicago Medicine, discusses the misconceptions surrounding ancient medicine and its impact on modern medical practices. She emphasizes that classical medicine lacked clear standards of training and discouraged experimentation, which led to limited understanding of the human body. Pizer mentions the domination of humor theory, pioneered by Hippocrates and later developed by Galen, and how the theory focused on balancing the four bodily fluids. While humor theory is no longer taught in medical school, Pizer explains that some ancient practices, like using leeches and maggots for medical purposes, still persist in modern medicine. She also mentions the ongoing theoretical disagreements and diverse approaches in contemporary medical practices. Pizer brings attention to the Hippocratic Oath, its evolution, and its relevance in modern medical schools. Lastly, the podcast touches upon ancient dietetics, pharmacology, and surgery, highlighting the use of honey, opium, and various other substances in ancient remedies. Pizer acknowledges that some of these substances, like willow bark and opium, remain relevant in certain medical treatments today. The podcast also explores the limitations of ancient surgical techniques due to a lack of knowledge about the human body's internal workings. Despite this, Pizer points out the similarities between ancient and modern surgical instruments. She highlights the importance of documentation in both ancient and modern medicine, as well as the enduring trust patients have in physicians to provide effective treatments.