[Physicians in 19th century Mexico: between State control and professional autonomy]

This article analyses the struggles of 19th century Mexican physicians to gain professional autonomy versus the state. Medical practitioners sought to resist the imposition of a series of state measures, including directives to attend all patients and provide free care to the poor, forced adherence to political ideologies, state control of medical education, penal action in cases of professional liability, violation of medical confidentiality, and challenges to professional freedom. The article shows the reach of political power over medical practice in the 19th century, and explains the range and limits of the power of the medical profession.