A History of Public Health - Essay Example

1798- Vaccination against smallpox developed from cowpox is discovered1787-1872 – Alexandre Louis pioneers in the field of Epidemiology (Mervyn, 1985).1847 - The American Medical Association is established1850 – The Epidemiological Society of London is established (Mervyn, 1985).1870 – The study of Bacteria begins1948 - The World Health Organization is established1965: Medicaid and Medicare legislation instituted by US Congress 2011-2012 - Proposals to cut Medicare expenditures introduced by President Obama (Nytimes.com, 2011)Three Eras of Health CareThe first era/acute care (1750-1950) focused on saving lives from infectious diseases (srph.tamhsc.edu, n.d.).

The second era/chronic era (1950-2010) focused on fighting chronic diseases. In the third era (2010 to the future), the focus is put on the provision of health for all (universal health). ImpactsWith developments in the health sector, the world witnessed a major impact in regard to healthcare. While initially, a lot of focus was put on fighting infectious diseases such as cholera, today, the focus has changed to the need for a healthy world population irrespective of social standing.  Changing DefinitionsWhile previously the concept of wellness was dictated by religious beliefs, the medical system, and cultural values, this is not the case today (Rosen, 1993).

While certain feelings or pains were considered normal in the past, these are today considered abnormal. Health-related organizationsThe World Health Organization has been at the forefront in trying to ensure that the world’s population is healthy (Rosen, 1993). The establishment of the organization has seen previously marginalized areas receive better health services and the standardization of services and health factors. This essentially has led to the general improvement of the world’s health standards.