James A. Schafer Jr.

The Oxford Handbook of American Medical History

The Oxford Handbook of American Medical History examines the social, political, and economic history of medicine as it has been practiced in the United States from the colonial period to the present day. The volume consists of original chapters, written by thirty-nine scholars, that explain the causes and effects of major changes in American medicine and the larger historical context in which American medicine has developed. The Handbook provides both a composite overview for readers new to the history of American medicine, as well as robust historiographical analysis for scholars preparing undergraduate lectures, teaching graduate seminars, and conducting background research. There are four sections: the first analyzes how patterns of life and death have changed over time and the factors that influence morbidity, mortality, and health disparities; the second assesses the ever-changing medical marketplace, how health care has been monetized, and the effects of the business of medicine on medical careers and patient care; the third evaluates the establishment of medical institutions and the ways in which institutions reinforce pre-existing power structures in American society; and the fourth section studies how medical knowledge is created and whose interests are served by medical research. Chapters include recommendations for further reading to guide readers interested in learning more about topics covered.