Iatrology

Iatrology is the study of medicine and healing in its theoretical, historical, and social dimensions. It examines how medical knowledge is constructed, taught, and organized, and it can address the broader context in which medical ideas emerge, rather than the practice of treating patients. Etymology traces the term to Greek iatros, meaning physician, and -logia, meaning study or discourse.

Scope and orientation: The field often encompasses the history of medicine, the philosophy of medicine, ethics, medical education, health policy, and the cultural and social factors that shape healing practices. It is typically distinguished from clinical medicine, which concentrates on patient care, diagnosis, and treatment.

Usage and prevalence: Iatrology is an uncommon term in contemporary English and is mainly found in historical or scholarly discussions. In modern scholarship, the history of medicine, the philosophy of medicine, or medical sociology are more frequent descriptors for related inquiry. Some sources treat iatrology as a historical umbrella for the theory of medicine rather than a distinct modern discipline.

History: The label has appeared at various times as scholars sought to define medicine’s scope beyond practice. Over recent decades, discussions about medicine’s foundations have leaned toward terms like history of medicine or philosophy of medicine, though iatrology may be encountered in certain older or specialized texts.

See also: History of medicine, philosophy of medicine, medical ethics, medical education.