Commission
Vaccinology, also known as the science of vaccines, seems to be a relatively young field of medical studies — the term was only coined in 1977 by Jonas Salk. However, a closer look at history reveals that humanity’s first attempt to fight infectious disease was recorded far earlier than that.
​In 1247, a wealthy politician named Simon FitzMary donated a piece of land in London to build a hospital. Its official name was the Bethlehem Hospital - part of the Priory of St. Mary of Bethlehem, but many Londoners simply called it, “Bedlam" - "a palace for lunatics".
Nowadays, many people think of the Middle East as a war-ridden region, where the sound of bomb strikes and children’s cries echo across the land. But once upon a time, the Middle East was the leading region of civilization and medical innovation, especially mental health provisions.
The concept of public health was born thousands of years ago, around 500 BCE, when the Ancient Greeks realized the connection between infectious diseases and hygiene. The realization led to the first installation of water supply and drainage — two municipal services deeply intertwined with the modern public health system.
Throughout history, the region where Spain is now located has witnessed many power and cultural exchanges. This has created a unique opportunity for the modern-day country to accumulate various innovative approaches to mental issues.
Not only is Southeast Asia one of the most culturally diverse regions in the world, but it is also well known for its many natural resources. The latter attracted Western colonialism, setting up a mixed scene of traditional values and Western modernization that is reflected in the psychiatry of many Southeast Asian countries.
Like many countries in the Asia-Pacific region, both Australia and New Zealand underwent British colonialism. Their colonization has played a pivotal role in setting the foundation of modern psychiatry in both countries.
Thalidomide was one of the biggest scandals in history, resulting in the most deaths and deformed patients following World War II. It was the pivotal culprit that changed the structure of the pharmaceutical industry during the middle of the twentieth century.
In 1752, due to the dire need for better care for mentally ill patients, the Quaker community in colonial America funded the Pennsylvania Hospital to build specialized rooms for mentally ill patients. Located in the basement and equipped with shackles to confine patients, these rooms foreshadowed an uncomfortable era ahead for the mentally ill in the United States of America.
From the first prehistoric and mythical cure called Mithridatium to the newest additions of the COVID vaccines, the history of medicine -and that of the pharmaceutical industry- is fascinating to look upon.
In 2009, the pharma industry stood -once again- at the edge of yet another scandal referred to as Tamiflu. It was not as deadly as the Thalidomide scandal, but Tamiflu was still serious enough to require changes in the way the pharma industry operates.
Many young writers have the same question: is my plot good enough? True, a good plot is essential to make a good story. But there is another - perhaps even more fundamental – element, which can make or break your story: the characters.
