DIY Medicine

I thought that Starr's discussion of the development of Medicine in a Democratic Culture (chapter 1) brought to mind the many modern day issues that are very similar to the issues of the past. The Thomasonian view of medicine (which was ultimately discredited) and other movements like this that stressed a DIY method of medicine were of particular interest to me. Starr writes that it was eventually decided (and agreed upon) that it was not the case that medicine was a simple science that everyone could perform (59).

This whole discussion reminded me of todays popular website WebMD. The website enables people to "self-diagnose" their symptoms and receive advice about what it is that they potentially have. You are immediately given advice from the site, be it take an Advil or go to the emergency room. This is not strictly DIY medicine, but it does show how the average person today does have the ability to feel like they know how to handle their symptoms and does not have to call their doctor in all cases.

I guess I found it interesting how Starr's opening discussion and overall discussion of power and authority concerning the medical field have today. It also reminded me of the "House" episode "Epic Fail" where House's patient attempts to undermine House's authority and knowledge of rare diseases by posting his symptoms online and continually challenge House with his internet found knowledge.