Neil H. Baum, MD, presented “Lessons from Ancient Greek Physicians” for the Grand Rounds in Urology audience in February 2023.

How to cite: Baum, Neil H. MD. “Lessons from Ancient Greek Physicians” February 2023. Accessed Apr 2024. https://grandroundsinurology.com/lessons-from-ancient-greek-physicians/

Lessons from Ancient Greek Physicians

Grand Rounds in Urology Contributing Editor Neil H. Baum, MD, Professor of Urology at Tulane Medical School, reviews ancient Greek medicine and considers how early paradigm shifts continue to shape modern medicine. Ancient Greeks viewed illness as divine punishment for angering the gods. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, debunked this notion and attributed disease to miasma (bad air), geographic location, social class, and diet. He also emphasized the doctor-patient relationship and identified the importance of mental health. Dr. Baum describes the impact of Greek medicine on modern, Western medicine and notes that the focus on diet, nutrition, sleep, and bowel/bladder systems remains relevant today. Additionally, buy-in from the patient was viewed as a critical component of healing. Drawing a parallel to modern paradigm shifts, Dr. Baum shares several game-changing advances in urology.