Human science and medicine: the contribution of history to medical education and practice

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Falta This article deals with the contributions of History as a scientific discipline for professionals and students of medicine. It is included inside of the current debate about the importance of teaching the Humanities for future doctor, inside which were identified the particular contributions of History to the knowledge of Medicine as a scientific, a technical and a social practice at the same time. By examining in particular the health care as an outcome of the medical practice in the exercise of this profession, the notion of care is defined, and based on it the approach of studies on health practices is justified for the exam the contributions of History. In this sense, it is pointed out how methodologically the history of health and medical practices differs from the history of science and also of the studies on memory, although having relations with both. Three categoriesof historical analysis were examined: the historical stays, the historical breaks and the circularity, showing how to express themselves with regard to approach the illness as patient experience in interaction with the construction of the disease based on medical experience. Such interaction provided by the historical contributions allows creating the specific setting of the clinical encounter, and of the doctor-patient relationship, necessary to reach a good care.