The Worshipful Society of Apothecaries

Introduction

The History of Medicine Course provides a comprehensive educational experience through a series of lectures, hands-on sessions, and unique access to historical collections. This course is ideal for newcomers as well as established scholars wishing to deepen their knowledge of medical history.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, participants will have:

• Developed an understanding of the evolution of medical practices from ancient to modern times and their role in shaping both Western and non-Western medical traditions.
• Gained insights into key concepts in medical and healthcare history.
• Acquired research skills suitable for historical investigation in medicine and healthcare.
• Experienced a broad range of perspectives through lectures from approximately 50 historians, curators, and clinicians.
• Enhanced their ability to critically assess the historical significance of people, events, and developments in medicine.
• Engaged socially and intellectually through discussions, visits to major London medical museums, and networking with individuals with shared interests.
• Prepared to undertake independent reading and research on medical history topics, with the opportunity to pursue the DHMSA examination.

Lecture Content

The curriculum encompasses a diverse array of topics, including:

• Medical traditions, examined by historical period and geographic origins and influence.
• The development of professions, education, and specialties within the medical field.
• The interplay between developing scientific and medical practices.
• The patient’s perspective throughout history.
• The impact of demographic and social changes, epidemics, public and global health.
• Historical roles of apothecaries, medicines, and pharmacy.
• Connections between medicine and empire.
• An overview of the history of medical ethics.
• Research skills for medical and healthcare history, including historical approaches, finding and understanding sources, and an introduction to collections, museums, archives, and online resources.

Course Structure

• Teaching Methodology: Participants benefit from small group teaching provided by a distinguished cohort of historians, clinicians, curators, and subject specialists.
• Practical Experiences: Includes exclusive visits to key archives, libraries, and museums across London, notably the Society of Apothecaries’ livery hall and its esteemed collections.
• Introduction to Historical Research: Participants are introduced to historical research methods, which can be further developed through the DHMSA exam, entailing a short dissertation and an oral presentation.

The History of Medicine course offers a comprehensive exploration of medical practices across different historical periods and geographical regions. The curriculum is meticulously structured into themed modules, each delving into specific aspects of medical history. Students begin by exploring foundational concepts of ancient civilizations' medicine, such as in Egypt and the classical traditions of Greece and Rome. This foundation supports further exploration of the evolution of medicine through the Islamic Golden Age and Medieval Europe, highlighting the intricate interplay between medicine, religion, and societal developments.

Progressing into the year, the focus shifts to more specialised topics, such as the impact of infectious diseases like plagues on public health policies, the evolution of clinical practices including anaesthesia and surgery, and significant advancements during the Renaissance period. Each module combines expert-led lectures with practical sessions, including visits to notable medical archives and museums, and hands-on examination of historical documents and artefacts. Students are encouraged to undertake their own research projects, supported by sessions on archival research, writing for medical history, and effective communication of historical findings. The course culminates with opportunities to engage in contemporary debates about the implications of historical medical practices on modern medicine, preparing graduates to apply their knowledge in various professional or academic roles.

Course Format and Schedule

Annual Cycle: Runs from October to June, typically on alternate Saturdays.
Hybrid Learning: For the 2023-2024 academic year, the course will be offered in a blended format, combining in-person sessions at notable locations such as the Apothecaries’ Hall and Guy's Hospital, with online sessions accessible via Zoom.

Participants may opt to sit for the Diploma in the History of Medicine (DHMSA) examination.

Introduction to the Diploma Examination

Established in 1970 by the Society of Apothecaries, the DHMSA Diploma is a prestigious qualification that demonstrates a candidate’s thorough understanding of medical and healthcare practices from ancient times to the modern era. It assesses the candidate's skills in historical research, evaluation of historical material, and the effective dissemination of their findings.

Eligibility and Admission

To qualify for the DHMSA examination, candidates must satisfy one of the following criteria:

• Completion of the Diploma Course organized by the Society's Faculty of the History and Philosophy of Medicine and Pharmacy.
• Successful completion of an approved university course relevant to the history of medicine.
• Demonstrable competence in the history of medicine, evidenced by publications or other professional activities, subject to approval by the Exam Convenors.

Examination Components

The DHMSA examination consists of three main components:

Open Book Written Paper: Candidates have one week to complete an essay that demonstrates their ability to interpret historical sources and articulate a well-structured academic argument.

Dissertation: This involves the submission of a detailed research project on a topic chosen by the candidate and approved by the examining team. It tests the ability to conduct independent research and contribute to the academic discourse on medical history.

Test Lecture: Candidates must deliver a lecture on a topic different from their dissertation. This assesses presentation skills and the ability to engage and educate an audience on historical medical topics.

Examination Schedule and Fees

Submission Deadlines: Titles and proposals for the dissertation and test lecture must be submitted via the Brightspace platform by February 29, 2024.

Closing date for exam applications: April 26, 2024.

Dissertation submission: Due by 23:59 BST on May 24, 2024.

Open Book Written Paper: Available at 09:00 BST on June 10, 2024, with submissions due by 09:00 BST on June 17, 2024.

Test Lecture: Presentation slides due by June 26, 2024, with the test lecture itself scheduled for June 28, 2024.

The full examination entry fee is £980, payable online. Candidates awarded a bursary should contact the Academic Department for a fee reduction.

Re-entry fees for components are as follows: £300 for the Open Book Written Paper, £340 for the Dissertation, and £340 for the Test Lecture.

Withdrawal penalties apply depending on the timing relative to the examination date, ranging from 10% to 100% of the fee.

Successful Dissertations by Elective Prize Winners:

Highlighting exemplary dissertations from past candidates illustrates the high standards and academic rigor of the DHMSA program:

Drug Development of Digitalis by Lauren Adrienne Watts: Explores the discovery and refinement of Digitalis in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Formation of The Faculty of Medicine at Imperial College by Jane Helena Hone: Investigates the factors leading to the establishment of the Faculty within the NHS and medical education in the late 20th century.

Additional notable dissertations include works by William Andrew Edison Parker on cardiac surgery innovations, Joanna Pearson on Janet Vaughan’s humanitarian efforts, and several others focusing on various critical aspects of medical history.

Academic Policies Overview

The Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London upholds a rigorous academic standard and ethical conduct across all its programs. Below is a summary of our key academic policies with links to full documentation:

• Code of Conduct: Our Code of Conduct reflects the Centre for Health Studies' commitment to professionalism, respect, and integrity. Candidates are expected to adhere to high standards of honesty and respect, ensuring a safe and supportive examination environment. Read More
• Academic Misconduct Policy: This policy outlines the expectations and procedures related to academic integrity, including issues of plagiarism, collusion, and other forms of academic dishonesty. Candidates are presumed innocent until proven otherwise, and any incidents are investigated with a commitment to fairness and transparency. Read More
• Candidate Plagiarism: We take a strict stance against plagiarism in any form. Candidates must ensure that all submitted work is original and properly cited. We utilize anti-plagiarism software to maintain academic integrity, and violations are subject to serious penalties. Read More
• Examination Offences: From application fraud to misconduct during exams, our policy covers all potential infractions. Detailed procedures are in place to handle allegations, ensuring that all candidates are treated justly and equitably. Read More
• Appeals and Review Procedures: Candidates have the right to appeal academic decisions or alleged breaches of conduct. Our structured appeal process is designed to ensure that every candidate's case is reviewed thoroughly and impartially. Read More

Each policy is crafted to support our mission and uphold the standards necessary for a prestigious educational environment. Candidates are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these policies to fully understand their rights and responsibilities within our academic framework.

How to apply?