Plague doctors treated bubonic plague victims during European epidemics. They were hired by cities to care for all patients, especially poor. Doctors rarely cured patients, recording death tolls and infected numbers. Some doctors charged extra fees for special treatments or false cures
PCPs provide first contact and ongoing care for various medical conditions. Medical school graduates complete postgraduate training in primary care. Emergency physicians sometimes count as PCPs
Created by Ehrlich, modified by Ziehl and Neelsen in late 19th century. Initially used for tuberculosis diagnosis, later adapted for other mycobacteria
First dentists were barbers in China and France. Ambroise Paré established barber surgeons' status in France. Pierre Fauchard published first scientific dentistry textbook in 1728. First dental school established in 1840s. First dental X-ray discovered by Wilhelm Röntgen in 1895
Medical students graduate with MD or DO after four years of medical school. Training continues as interns at teaching hospitals. Residency programs can last 3-4 years for family doctors, 7+ years for surgeons
There are 32 common physician specialties available. Specialties range from whole-body care to specific body systems. Training typically requires 3-7 years of residency