The course “History of Medicine and Ethics,” one of the first-year courses offered by our Department of Basic Medical Sciences, traces its universal and scientific foundations back to Hippocrates in the 5th century BC. In Prehistoric and Early Civilizations, there existed treatment methods that can be described as Alternative or Folk Medicine, and even Instinctive Medicine. Throughout the Middle Ages and until the 19th century, medicine underwent various developmental stages and has reached today’s modern and scientific form.
In Europe, the inclusion of History of Medicine and Ethics courses in medical faculties dates back to the late 19th century. The situation in our country is nearly the same. Considering that formal medical education in Turkey essentially began with the establishment in Şehzadebaşı in 1827, the institution known as “Askeriye-i Tıbbiye-i Şahane” in 1839 represented a modern structure for its period. In this school, the course titled “Vezaif-i Tıbbiye” (Duties of Physicians), focusing primarily on Deontology (Science of Professional Duties), was included in the curriculum for the first time in 1874. Until Atatürk’s University Reform of 1933, the course—taught by various scholars—was later established as an independent department titled History of Medicine and Deontology at Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, with Ordinarius Prof. Dr. Süheyl Ünver appointed as the head of department.
According to Law No. 1750, the department was officially named the Department of History of Medicine and Deontology. Under Law No. 2547. enacted in 1981, it became recognized as an "Academic Department" and today continues its place in medical education under the name “Department of History of Medicine and Ethics.”
Department of History of Medicine and Ethics is a specialized academic unit within universities, research institutions, or health systems that focuses on the historical development of medicine and studies in medical ethics. It combines two distinct yet interconnected fields: the history of medicine and medical ethics.
History of Medicine: This field examines the evolution of medical practices, theories, and discoveries throughout history. It analyzes cultural, social, and scientific factors that have shaped medical knowledge and health systems. The field investigates ancient medical traditions, medical advancements across civilizations, the progress of medical education, the role of physicians, and the societal impact of medical innovations. Researchers may conduct archival studies, analyze historical documents, examine medical artifacts, and contribute to the understanding of medical progress over time.
Medical Ethics: The field of Medical Ethics focuses on the ethical dimensions of healthcare and medical research. It explores moral dilemmas, principles, and policies encountered in medical practice. The department studies topics such as patient autonomy, informed consent, end-of-life care, reproductive ethics, resource allocation, research ethics, and conflicts of interest. It develops guidelines, policies, and educational programs to promote ethical conduct among healthcare professionals and address ethical challenges in clinical practice and research.
The Department of History of Medicine and Ethics typically consists of faculty members, researchers, and academics specializing in the history of medicine and medical ethics. They engage in scholarly research, teaching, and publication within these fields. By deepening our understanding of medical history and fostering ethical awareness and analysis within the medical profession, they contribute significantly to the academic community. The department may also collaborate with bioethics centers, museums, and libraries to support interdisciplinary research, organize conferences and workshops, and provide educational resources on the historical and ethical dimensions of medicine. Their work contributes to the continuous development of medical knowledge, healthcare practices, and ethical standards aimed at improving patient care and sustaining integrity in the medical field.
Our Mission
-
Advancing the understanding and application of ethical, historical, and social analysis of health, medicine, and healing.
Overall, the mission of the Department of History of Medicine and Ethics is to advance knowledge, understanding, and practice within the fields of medical history and medical ethics. Through research, education, and ethical guidance, the department plays a crucial role in fostering appreciation of the historical context of medicine and promoting ethical conduct in healthcare.
Our Vision
-
In education, our aim is to understand the realities of change within medicine and healthcare by establishing a connection between the past and the present—allowing contemporary challenges to be evaluated “in the light of developments from past to present.” We also aim to comparatively explore how numerous groundbreaking discoveries that illuminate our present have emerged and evolved.
Additionally, the department seeks to contribute to the medical and bioethics curriculum within medical faculties and other educational programs, promoting the training of future healthcare professionals by providing knowledge transfer and enhancing ethical awareness, ultimately supporting ethical behavior in healthcare environments.
-
Research: The department aims to conduct rigorous research in the fields of medical history and medical ethics. This includes exploring the historical development of medicine, examining the ethical dimensions of healthcare, and contributing new knowledge and insights to these fields. The department publishes scholarly articles, books, and other academic works, and participates in collaborative research projects to advance understanding in these areas.
-
Ethical Guidance and Policy: The Department of History of Medicine and Ethics may also serve as an advisor on ethical matters in healthcare. It contributes to developing ethical guidelines, policies, and recommendations for healthcare providers, policymakers, and institutions. The department collaborates with ethics committees, institutional review boards, and other relevant bodies to facilitate ethical decision-making and address emerging ethical challenges. Its goal is to contribute to frameworks that ensure patient welfare, respect autonomy, and support justice within healthcare.
-
Regarding Medical Ethics and Deontology:
Deontology is the science of duty and professional obligation.
Ethics, on the other hand, relates to moral principles—varying across societies and religions—and encompasses all moral norms and recommendations.
Deontology covers legally binding regulations such as health-related laws, statutes, physician–patient relationships, physician responsibilities, and medical accountability.
Medical Ethics explores fundamental ethical principles, international declarations related to health, and contemporary and specialized topics in medicine through theoretical and case-based analyses, addressing ethical dilemmas in clinical ethics.
ACADEMIC STAFF
