Diagnosing Historic American Military Medical Innovations

By James Curley

Phi Kappa Phi Forum Summer 2010

The period between the late 19th and early 20th century was marked  by a radical transformation of medicine, especially in biomedicine, technology, specialization and rehabilitation. Wartime medical practice saved lives and served as a training ground and experimental laboratory, substantively influencing military and civilian medicine. New technologies like radiographic imaging saved soldiers in the field. The evolution of others such as prosthetics, coupled with the rise of medical specialization such as orthopedics and plastic surgery, also helped the wounded reclaim their lives and reintegrate into society.

For more information, visit the Websites of National Museum of Health and Medicine and Medical Museums.

http://nmhm.washingtondc.museum/

http://www.case.edu/affil/MeMA/memahome.htm