[Medical history in the information age; new impetus for the section 'Historical perspective' in the Dutch Journal of Medicine].
Over the past half century, medicine has evolved into 'informational medicine'. Physicians today no longer necessarily have to possess specialist knowledge, but have to know how to access this knowledge. This means that it is important that they do not just 'grab' for loose bits of information, but systematically and judiciously search for relevant knowledge. Medical-historical insights could be helpful, alongside critical-appraisal skills. Medical knowledge has a certain structure that has developed historically under the influence of assumptions (some implicit), presuppositions and social forces and interests. By exposing this underlying structure, medical history provides an overview of and insight into relationships within medical knowledge and practice. Now in particular, in the current age of information and disinformation, there is a great need for such 'overviews'. This offers opportunities for the revitalization of the 'Historical perspective' section in the Dutch Journal of Medicine (NTvG), especially if this section evolves into a shared platform for physicians and historians.
Erasmus MC, afd. Medische Geschiedenis, Rotterdam.
Timo C
TC
Bolt
D022126:Access to Information; D006666:History of Medicine; D006801:Humans; D018156:Journalism, Medical; D009426:Netherlands; D010506:Periodicals as Topic / Q000639:trends*