Answer :
In the 1700s, new physicians learned how to practice medicine through several key methods:
1. Apprenticeship: Most commonly, aspiring physicians apprenticed under established doctors. This hands-on training involved observing and assisting the mentor in their medical practice, learning practical skills directly from experienced practitioners.
2. Medical Schools: While less common in the early 1700s, some formal medical education became available later in the century. Institutions like the University of Pennsylvania (founded in 1765) began offering medical degrees, providing structured education in medical theory and practice.
3. Self-Study: Many aspiring physicians relied on self-study, reading widely available medical texts and manuals. Important works by physicians like Hippocrates, Galen, and more contemporary figures were essential resources.
4. Lectures and Demonstrations: In larger cities, there were often opportunities to attend public lectures and anatomical demonstrations. These provided additional educational resources beyond apprenticeship and self-study.
5. Hospital Experience: Some physicians gained experience by working in hospitals, which were starting to become more established in the colonies. This provided exposure to a broader range of medical cases and conditions.
These methods collectively provided the necessary training for new physicians to practice medicine in the 1700s.
