Doctors: The History of Scientific Medicine Revealed Through Biography

By: Sherwin B. Nuland, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Sherwin B. Nuland

Length: 6 hrs and 10 mins

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

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.

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.

Medical History Through Biography

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely. Gives an interesting, informative explanation of medical science's evolution.

What did you like best about this story?

The brevity with which moment was described. Writing was efficient and informative.

Which scene was your favorite?

Not one in particular.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Medical genius borne of grit and willing to go it alone.

Any additional comments?

Necessary, introductory description of medical history.

Biographies only

Good for what it was but I was hoping for more of a synthesis to help me understand physician decision making. Perhaps that is here in the stories...

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.

Ana Fortuny

Excelente resumen sobre los avances más importantes de la medicina. Muy valiosa contribución histórico- biológica.

Enjoyable walkthrough of prominent medical heroes

each chapter is about thirty minutes and covers an interesting character from the field of medicine. as someone outside the field, I found this to be an interesting and enjoyable listen.

Very illuminating

Wonderfully told stories of great doctors and their discoveries throughout the ages. Want to hear more!

values of healthcare through history

felt like food
cases of history of surgery amazing
internal medicine poorly represented.
Loved Vesalius
very america centric

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.