Medical education and practice in Antioquia, Colombia. Universidad de Antioquia school of medicine: historical background

Abstract

In this article an account is given of the changes that took place in medicine, in Colombia, from the empirical practice that prevailed during the XVIII century, to the acquisition of academic and scientific contents, mostly received from European medical schools. Such changes led to regulation of medical education and practice at the end of the XIX century. The role of individuals like José Cestino Mutis and his followers and that of some governments to implement this positive evolution is emphasized.