IMPORTANCEThe academic medical centre plays a critical role in modern society and serves as the heart of our profession.Its origins have been inaccurately described by many western medical history texts as occurring in Europe during the middle ages or early renaissance period.It is important for us to know how our profession evolved from the shamanistic practices of yore to the powerful evidence-based medicine industry of today.This article explores how ancient near-and middle-easterners combined the medical traditions of Persians, Greeks, Indians, Zoroastrians, Jews and Nestorians into an innovative product that would give rise to academic medical centres, medical records, physician licensure, and numerous other medical and scientific advances.Furthermore, the route by which Europe inherited this knowledge is explored.As a profession that seeks truth and knowledge in the world, we must acknowledge the influence of non-westerners in the development of modern academic medicine.
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Andrew C. Miller (2006) studied this question.
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