Care and Controversy

As we learn more about human anatomy and diseases, some medical procedures become controversial.

Pictured in this case (from left to right): a mercury glass bottle, homeopathic medicine case, advertisement for Dr. Richardson's medicine, a glass mortar and pestle, and a multi-pieced bloodletting tool.

Doctors have always experiemented with medicine to find new and better ways to treat the sick and injured. However, as time progressed, some of these medicines and procedures became controversial. Some examples of controversial medical procedures are: bloodletting, lobotomy, insulin coma therapy, and electroshock therapy.

Once there is a better understanding of how a procedure impacts the patient, many doctors turn away from controversial procedures. However some doctors choose to continue using controversial procedures. One example is Dr. Hiram Corson's decision to continue using bloodletting, even while most of his fellow doctors ended the practice. Sometimes, especially in regards to mental helath, advocacy for patients rights and a better understanding of diseases is also required to end a controversial procedure.

Today, medical science continues to evolve at a rapid rate. In just a few years, some medical procedures could become outdated as we learn more about human anatomy and diseases. Are there any medications or procedures we implemet now that in ten years could be considered controversial?

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