In Today's Society, There Are Hundreds of Different Kinds of Doctors

17 February 2015

In today's society, there are hundreds of different kinds of doctors. Some choose their doctor from the situation of their sickness, and other by what the insurance will cover. During the Medieval times, people didn't have an array of doctors to from. People of the Medieval times chose by social class, who was available, and who they could afford. Doctors were separated by social class and if there was a payable fee. Even in the Medieval times, though, to become a doctor one had to undergo ten years of schooling. Unfortunately, there were not enough of practiced and learned doctors during the Medieval times for everyone to be treated by a doctor. A hierarchy of people gave the administration of medicine: physicians, surgeons, butcher surgeons, "wise women"--apothecaries and the church were also places that offered medical help.

Physicians, top of the class, of the Medieval times studied at universities for many years and were typically all male. It was expensive to be given the services of a physician. Most physicians remained in the inner city, because only the upper social classes could afford their assistance. ["Middle Ages Doctors"] The surgeons, second in the class, also, had some schooling and were known by their reputation. Surgeons often visited the aftermaths of battle and attended to the wounded. Butcher surgeons, third in the class, were only separated from the surgeons because surgeons are more skilled and learned. Butcher surgeons typically learned by apprenticeship and were limited on the practices they could offer. The butcher surgeons were easiest to find--they often had a red and white striped pole outside of their business place. The red on the pole stood for the blood and the white for the belief of pureness after a bloodletting. [Bellerby, "Surgery in Medieval Times"] "Wise women", bottom of the hierarchy, was the first person contacted for the poor people. These women used folk medicine, medicine passed down from generations, and herbal remedies. Childbirth, abortion, and various illnesses were addressed and healed by "wise women." ["Wise women"]

Apothecaries were a common place to visit, during Medieval times, even before visiting a doctor. Apothecaries--apart of the Grocer's Guild--were like our pharmacies today; they sold medicine, cosmetics, perfumes, and candy. ["Apothecary"]