Making Sense of Medicine: Material Culture and the Reproduction of Medical Knowledge

Medical knowledge is communicated through materials, and materials are essential to the reproduction of medical knowledge. From novice students to expert practitioners, people in and around medicine rely on material guidance in their daily practice and as they seek to further their craft. This collection focuses on the materials, objects, tools, and technologies that facilitate the reproduction of medical knowledge and often reify understandings of medical science. Medical education is changing rapidly in response to technological development and the evolving needs and expectations of patients, and medical schools are embracing the digital at the expense of older teaching materials. This edited volume explores the role of materiality in the training of doctors and in the social reproduction of medicine in the modern world, supported by the European Research Council.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 464 pages
Publication date: 31 October 2022
Publisher: Intellect Books

Medical knowledge is deeply intertwined with the materials it encompasses, as these materials play a crucial role in the reproduction and dissemination of medical knowledge. This relationship extends from the novice student to the seasoned expert practitioner, who relies on material guidance in their daily practice and ongoing pursuit of excellence.

Students, like experts, engage in a comprehensive material culture of medicine, immersing themselves in a wealth of resources. They pore over textbooks, scrutinize photographs and films, and meticulously study chalkboard illustrations, plastic models, and organic specimens preserved in formalin. They navigate grand university libraries, carefully preserving the integrity of their surroundings within cramped surgical theatres.

Students, like experts, acquire knowledge within an expansive material landscape that encompasses explicitly educational materials, everyday tools employed for diagnosis and treatment, and the broader contexts in which medical practices unfold. While the specific constellation of materials may vary across time and space, certain materials have remained steadfast, serving as key actors in the spread of medical practices and contributing to the steady, global expansion of biomedical frameworks of health and disease.

This collection specifically focuses on the materials, objects, tools, and technologies that facilitate the reproduction of medical knowledge and often reinforce prevailing understandings of medical science. It explores the ways in which these elements shape the practices, methodologies, and outcomes of medical education and practice.

In response to the rapid technological development and evolving needs and expectations of patients, the training of doctors is undergoing a significant transformation. Medical schools are proactively addressing these challenges through curriculum redesign, the acquisition or endorsement of new teaching aids, simulations, and pedagogies. Often, this entails a shift towards digital resources, as medical schools embrace the potential of technology to enhance learning and teaching.

However, this transition raises important questions and prompts a critical examination of medical education. At a pivotal juncture, there is a growing momentum to radically reimagine and revitalize medical education to ensure its relevance and effectiveness in the modern world. This involves a holistic approach that encompasses not only the acquisition of medical knowledge but also the development of essential skills such as empathy, communication, and critical thinking.

In conclusion, the relationship between medical knowledge and materials is a profound and multifaceted one. Materials serve as the foundation upon which medical knowledge is built, providing students and practitioners with the tools and resources they need to advance their understanding and practice. As medical education continues to evolve, it is crucial to recognize the significance of materials and to explore innovative approaches that leverage their potential to enhance learning, promote excellence, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

Weight: 828g
Dimension: 170 x 242 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789385779
Edition number: New ed