Published May 3, 2022

Special Episode: On the Origin of Epidemiology

Jim Downs redefines the historical landscape of epidemiology by illustrating its roots in colonialism, slavery, and war, urging a reevaluation of traditional narratives and emphasizing the significant contributions of historians in understanding societal patterns and the ethical dimensions of medical history.

Episode Highlights

Topics covered

Episode Highlights

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Special Episode: On the Origin of Epidemiology

Topics covered

Popular Clips

Quarantine and Contagion

Historical Perspectives on Epidemiology

Patient Narratives Matter

Patient Narratives Matter

Medical History Reexamined

Misconceptions of Historians

Dark Vaccination Practices

War and Sanitation

Historical Context Matters

Smallpox and Emancipation

Origins of Epidemiology

Mapping Disease History

Expanding Historian Roles

Unearthing Hidden Histories

Episode Highlights

Role of Historians

Historical Epidemiology

Ethics in Medicine

Related Episodes

Ep 95 Tetanus: An inhuman calamity!

Special Episode: Dr. Andrew Wehrman & The Contagion of Liberty

Ep 121 Tularemia: Hare today, gone tomorrow

Ep 36 Shades of Syphilis

Ep 61 Typhoid: There's Something About Mary

Re-Release: Ep 27 Vaccines Part 2: Have you thanked your immune system lately?

Ep 17 Oh No Tetrodo: Crossover w/ TBOSP

COVID-19 Chapter 1: Virology

Special Episode: David Quammen & Breathless

Ep 9 Tuberculosis: A Slow Burn

Ep 11 Ebola: The New Kid on the Block

Re-Release: Ep 26 Vaccines Part 1: Let's hear it for Maurice

Ep 3 Gnarlypox

Ep 100 Monkeypox: Here we go again?

Special Episode: Epstein-Barr Virus

Special Episode: On the Origin of Epidemiology

Topics covered

Popular Clips

Episode Highlights

Role of HistoriansJim Downs explores the evolving roles of historians and the significance of historical context in understanding contemporary issues. He emphasizes the importance of historians in public discourse and how history can illuminate patterns in current societal behaviors.

Role of Historians

Historical EpidemiologyJim Downs reexamines the origins of epidemiology, challenging the traditional narrative centered on John Snow. He reveals how colonialism, slavery, and war were instrumental in shaping the field, highlighting the collaborative efforts of early physicians.

Historical Epidemiology

Ethics in Medicine

Related Episodes