Title
From Popular Medicine to Medical Populism: Doctors, Healers, and Public Power in Costa Rica, 18001940,Used
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From Popular Medicine to Medical Populism presents the history of medical practice in Costa Rica from the late colonial erawhen none of the fifty thousand inhabitants had access to a titled physician, pharmacist, or midwifeto the 1940s, when the figure of the qualified medical doctor was part of everyday life for many of Costa Ricas nearly one million citizens. It is the first book to chronicle the history of all healers, both professional and popular, in a Latin American country during the national period.Steven Palmer breaks with the view of popular and professional medicine as polar oppositeswhere popular medicine is seen as representative of the authentic local community and as synonymous with oral tradition and religious and magical beliefs and professional medicine as advancing neocolonial interests through the work of secular, trained academicians. Arguing that there was significant and formative overlap between these two forms of medicine, Palmer shows that the relationship between practitioners of each was marked by coexistence, complementarity, and dialogue as often as it was by rivalry. Palmer explains that while the professionalization of medical practice was intricately connected to the nationbuilding process, the Costa Rican state never consistently displayed an interest in suppressing the practice of popular medicine. In fact, it persistently found both tacit and explicit ways to allow untitled healers to practice. Using empirical and archival research to bring people (such as the famous healer or curandero Professor Carlos Carbell), events, and institutions (including the Rockefeller Foundation) to life, From Popular Medicine to Medical Populism demonstrates that it was through everyday acts of negotiation among agents of the state, medical professionals, and popular practitioners that the contours of Costa Ricas modern, heterogeneous health care system were established.
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- Q: What is the main topic of 'From Popular Medicine to Medical Populism'? A: 'From Popular Medicine to Medical Populism' explores the evolution of medical practice in Costa Rica from the late colonial era to the 1940s, highlighting the roles of both professional and popular healers.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The book is authored by Steven Palmer, who provides a comprehensive historical analysis of medical practices in Costa Rica.
- Q: What is the publication date of this book? A: 'From Popular Medicine to Medical Populism' was published on January 6, 2003.
- Q: How many pages does this book have? A: The book contains a total of 352 pages.
- Q: Is this book available in a specific binding type? A: Yes, the book is available in paperback binding.
- Q: What is the condition of the book? A: The book is listed as 'New'.
- Q: Does this book include illustrations? A: Yes, this edition of the book is illustrated.
- Q: What are the key themes discussed in the book? A: Key themes include the coexistence of popular and professional medicine, the role of the state in healthcare, and the historical context of medical practices in Costa Rica.
- Q: Who are some figures mentioned in the book? A: The book mentions notable figures such as Professor Carlos Carbell, a famous healer or curandero.
- Q: What is the significance of this book in the context of Latin American medical history? A: It is the first book to chronicle the history of all healers in a Latin American country during the national period, breaking down the traditional dichotomy between popular and professional medicine.