History of Medicine

This class meets twice to three times weekly and will consist primarily of reading and discussion. Students must attend all in-class seminar sessions and actively participate in the in-class discussions. Each student is required to complete the three class assignments. Each student is also required to complete the final project-- either a 10-page typed, double-spaced research paper on any history of medicine subject or a 1-hour PowerPoint presentation (complete with annotated bibliography and speech notes) jointly agreed upon by the student and Dr. Gunderman. Goals: To develop a greater appreciation for the history of medicine and stimulate a lifelong interest in learning more about the origins and developments of their chosen profession.

The Indiana Medical History Museum maintains a collection of medical science artifacts from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries such as museum jars with preserved patient specimens, laboratory equipment, photographs, books, and diagnostic equipment. The museum is housed in the Old Pathology Building on the grounds of the former Central State Hospital, which is the oldest surviving pathology facility in the nation and is on the National Register of Historic Places. During this elective the student will work on a project of their choice with guidance from the museum executive director. The goal of the student project is to enhance their medical history knowledge, so the student can have a better understanding of current practices. An example of a student project includes searching patient medical records for the patient history behind one of the preserved patient specimens on display. A student may also choose to create a display with text for some of the artifacts currently in storage at the museum or research the use of a piece of diagnostic equipment on display such as a colorimeter and discuss how the instrument has changed throughout time. At the end of the rotation the student will perform a presentation about their project and findings for the course director, museum staff, museum board members, and interested students rotating on other pathology electives.

For up-to-the-minute course listings, including enrollment information, see The Office of the Registrar.