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Doctors: The History of Scientific Medicine Revealed Through Biography  By  cover art

Doctors: The History of Scientific Medicine Revealed Through Biography

By: Sherwin B. Nuland,The Great Courses
Narrated by: Sherwin B. Nuland
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Publisher's summary

Discover medical science's extraordinary journey from a time when even the slightest cut held the threat of infection and death to today's era of routine organ transplants and daily headlines about the mysteries of DNA and the human genome. What major discoveries made this transition possible? Who were the fascinating individuals responsible for those discoveries, and what qualities prepared each of them for their unique roles in medical history?

These 12 compelling lectures draw on the lives of medicine's greatest contributors to tell the human story behind the development of Western scientific medicine. Professor Nuland reveals the human side of science - a story about strivings, disappointments, triumphs of human genius, and even greed.

This course is a must-have for anyone interested in the fascinating story of medicine's evolution-and the brilliant men and women who made this journey possible. Topics include the rise of universities and how they influenced medical education; the appearance of scientific method and what we call "inductive reasoning"; the influence of individual personality on achievement along with the accompanying influence of national character and culture; the role of the church; and the part played by each discoverer's psychological makeup.

Please note: This course contains some discussion about certain historical medical practices and experiments that, while common in their time, may seem barbaric and unusual to us today. The professor does not necessarily describe them in graphic detail, but due to the subject matter of this course, some descriptions of these practices do arise. This should be noted before selecting this course for a young or sensitive individual.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2005 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2005 The Great Courses

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What listeners say about Doctors: The History of Scientific Medicine Revealed Through Biography

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Incredible review of medical history

As a physician, I thought this was an amazing review of medical history. The initial lectures were especially superb. Perhaps in a subsequent edition, we can hear about other greats (e.g. William Osler, Robert Koch, etc.). I highly recommend this audio book.

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12 people found this helpful

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Best Lecturer in the Great Courses

What made the experience of listening to Doctors: The History of Scientific Medicine Revealed Through Biography the most enjoyable?

The way this fellow presents his material is masterful. His voice adds interest--it is as if he is just talking to you instead of lecturing. I have listened to this three times and enjoy it more each time. I have listened to about 10 different Great Courses and they are all pretty good but this fellow is the best I have heard.

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7 people found this helpful

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Never learned this

Awesome. Am a doctor and was not taught any of this-99% of it anyway. I hope they make a part 2!! It made me appreciate the dedication of those before us and the progress that has been made. I had no idea how Hopkins came about or history of pediatric heart surgery. Well done.

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5 people found this helpful

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Why we do what we do

If you could sum up Doctors: The History of Scientific Medicine Revealed Through Biography in three words, what would they be?

This is a great book with the history of western medicine and how the things we do now came about . Every physician should listen to this.

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5 people found this helpful

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Amazing if you are in the medical field

I absolutely loved this book! I am a veterinary student so the history of medicine and how we got to where we are today is fascinating to me! However it might be slow to other people. The lecturer is amazing and you can tell how much he loves this subject! He is pretty good about keep the technical jargon to a minimum

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3 people found this helpful

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Engaging overview of Medical History.

What did you love best about Doctors: The History of Scientific Medicine Revealed Through Biography?

Details some of the major advances in scientific knowledge of health and disease, presented through the stories of some remarkable individuals.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Doctors: The History of Scientific Medicine Revealed Through Biography?

My favourite is Virchow, the diminutive German who was a wonderful scientist and also a social activist.

What about Professor Sherwin B. Nuland’s performance did you like?

The structure and presentation of each lecture was engaging and full of content.

Any additional comments?

Worth a listen for anyone interested in medical history as an example of the remarkable progress of humanity, particularly over the last 200 years.

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3 people found this helpful

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Fascinating

The most interesting history lesson/refresher I've ever read on medicine and I've been in the field for 44 years.
I didn't realize that women were so influential in the early days of medical treatment and research.

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Disappointing

Mainly s history of surgery with very little on infectious disease or what doctors do to save lives.

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2 people found this helpful

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Fun and educational

Where does Doctors: The History of Scientific Medicine Revealed Through Biography rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I have read a lot but this audiobook stood out with my favorites because of the details given and the well prepared way they were delivered.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Doctors: The History of Scientific Medicine Revealed Through Biography?

I enjoyed hearing about the first medical school and all the firsts of the medical profession.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes i would have liked to if i only had the time

Any additional comments?

Highly recommend this to other listeners

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2 people found this helpful

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Really interesting, professor is a quiet funny

Was over before I knew it. Really interesting. I like the professor, he is very generous with context information.

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1 person found this helpful