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Physicians charged fees, and the amount and quality of care an individual was able to receive was often based on their ability to pay.

There was little medical infrastructure in America at the beginning of the 19th century. Only a handful of medical colleges and hospitals existed,

Federal and state governments had very little impact, passing few laws that regulated medical practitioners and providing little funding.

The 19th century refers to the 1800s.

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PERSPECTIVE

Ignaz Semmelweis requires physicians to wash their hands before delivering babies in 1847.

American Civil War (1861-1865)

Joseph Lister published a paper introduction antiseptic surgical methods in 1867.

John Hopkins Hospital opened in 1889.

Physicians did not have a particularly high status in America during this period. Doctors had few tools and were unable to offer treatments that were much more effective than home remedies. Several other types of practitioners were also part of the medical community including midwives, nurses, pharmacists, and family members.

Was being a doctor glamorous?

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