[Medical education under the Revolution and the Empire]

After the suppression of medical education during the French revolution in 1793, the lack of caregivers is dramatic, especially in the army. The medical education is therefore rehabilitated in 1794 in 3 (then 6) Health Schools, which will become Schools of Medicine and Faculties of Medicine, incorporated in 1808 into then Imperial University. During 3 years, the courses are theoretical and also based on a practical teaching on the patient. The defense of a thesis provides access to the title of doctor in medicine or surgery and allows practicing for all the pathologies on the entire territory of the Empire. Meanwhile, medical courses are given in military hospitals to train officers of health. They are dedicated for the service of the army and for minor diseases in rural areas. They are authorized to practice only in the department in which they were received. The inspectors general provide medical education directly in the military medical structures and conduct examinations about medical care. This type of career is illustrated by the biography of Surgeon Major François Augustin Legaÿ.