The Diploma in the History of Medicine of the Society of Apothecaries, abbreviated DHMSA, is a postgraduate qualification awarded following a one-year study course in the

History of Medicine The history of medicine is both a study of medicine throughout history as well as a multidisciplinary field of study that seeks to explore and understand medical practices, both past and present, throughout human societies. The history of med ...

, organised by the

Worshipful Society of Apothecaries The Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London is one of the livery companies of the City of London. It is one of the largest livery companies (with over 1,600 members in 2012) and ranks 58th in their order of precedence. The society is a me ...

and covers topics from

antiquity of humanity Antiquity or Antiquities may refer to: Historical objects or periods Artifacts *Antiquities, objects or artifacts surviving from ancient cultures Eras Any period before the European Middle Ages (5th to 15th centuries) but still within the histo ...

to present times, taught by expert historians and clinicians.

History of DHSMA

The content and duration of medical training has changed since 1870, with a mixture of optional and compulsory elements and an increasing recognition of history and the arts. The Worshipful Society of Apothecaries initiated the diploma in 1970. The Diploma in the History of Medicine has since been examined annually. It was designed in part as a qualification for those wishing to teach the history of medicine and is evidence of a good general knowledge of up-to-date sources and methods of inquiry, of good factual knowledge and also an ability to lecture to an audience in an interesting and entertaining manner.

Applicants

Applicants are usually doctors, medical students, and other allied healthcare professionals. Blue Badge tourist guides have also completed the course.

Topics taught

Exam technique, examination and writing skills are included in the curriculum, as well as the history of traditional western medical tradition. History of ancient Egyptian, Chinese, Ayurvedic, Greek and Roman medicine are taught by historians of medicine such as Vivian Nutton and W. F. Bynum. In addition to history of nursing and general practice, there is also a session on history of pharmacy.

The exam

All parts need to be passed. # Two written papers, one of short answers and the other of essays. # 5000 word dissertation based on local medical history, role of an individual and development of aspects such as aviation medicine. # A test lecture to demonstrate an ability to lecture in history of medicine.

Prizes and awards

Osler Lecture The Macabean Prize for best Dissertation The Sydney Selwyn Prize is awarded to the best candidate in the Diploma in the Philosophy of Medicine examination.

Post graduation activities

Following qualification, DHMSA graduates have proceeded to be involved in history of medicine related activities. Professor Sean Hughes has lectured on

John Keats John Keats (31 October 1795 – 23 February 1821) was an English poet of the second generation of Romantic poets, along with Lord Byron and Percy Bysshe Shelley. His poems had been in publication for less than four years when he died of tub ...

and Dr Peter Down has lectured on Dr John Paulley (1918-2007) and history of medicines. Some have become presidents of the History of Medicine Society at The Royal Society of Medicine, London and the British Society for the History of Medicine whilst others have formed societies elsewhere, such as the West Sussex History of Medicine Society. A proposal to include a

Master's degree A master's degree (from Latin ) is a postgraduate academic degree awarded by universities or colleges upon completion of a course of study demonstrating mastery or a high-order overview of a specific field of study or area of professional prac ...

has been made.

References

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External links

Worshipful Society of Apothecaries
official web site Professional titles and certifications