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The licensed physicians of Rhode Island in the year 1895
S M Aronson1, N Deary, M W Hamolsky
1Brown University School of Medicine.
Medicine and Health, Rhode Island
|February 1, 1996
Summary
In 1895, Rhode Island physicians were typically 39-year-old, New England-born general practitioners with limited education and training. Most established practices in their birth communities, often with family ties.
Area of Science:
- Medical History
- Physician Demographics
- Socioeconomic Factors in Healthcare
Background:
- This study analyzes the demographic characteristics of physicians applying for licensure in Rhode Island in 1895.
- Understanding historical physician profiles provides insight into past healthcare practices and accessibility.
Observation:
- The study examined 466 physician licensure applications from Rhode Island in 1895.
- Data collected included age, birthplace, education, medical school, training, specialty, and practice location.
Findings:
- The typical physician was a 39-year-old, white, New England-born male general practitioner.
- Most had limited undergraduate education and received diplomas from allopathic medical schools within 180 miles of their birthplace, often in small towns.
- Little to no supervised hospital training was common, with no declared specialty.
Implications:
- Physician profiles from this era highlight a less specialized and more community-based medical landscape.
- The findings suggest a strong influence of local and familial networks in establishing medical practices.
- This historical demographic data is crucial for understanding the evolution of medical professions and healthcare systems.