The Flexner report ushered in modern medicine and stifled previous medical practices in favor of pharmaceutical solutions and treating symptoms, rather than creating optimal health. Since its inception, the pharmaceutical industry and the industrial-medical complex have saturated Western medicine to such a degree that any other practices are often-deemed “quackery”; or at best, “alternative.”
by Vivian Kanchian, Free Now Foundation
Until the early 1900’s, American physicians were trained to prioritize prevention over the treatment of disease. In taking the Hippocratic Oath, they also committed to remembering their moral obligation to humanity.
This quickly changed when three wealthy businessmen and self-named philanthropists (John D. Rockefeller, JP Morgan and Andrew Carnegie) began funding research to support their preconceived idea that American medical schools were simply not scientific enough.
There is profit in complicating things.
Abraham Flexner was a former high school teacher and German education reformer whose publication of The Flexner Report in 1910 ushered in a new era of modern medicine – one that shifted doctors’ focus to the treatment of disease rather than cultivation of health.
Curiously, none of the men involved in pushing through this transition had a background in medicine. In fact, Flexner was purposely chosen over concern the report may face harsh opposition, and that the opposition may be less hostile if directed at a non-physician. Despite these things, the collective influence of these men would change the course of Western medicine in the following profound ways:
- The closure of one third of American medical schools deemed “substandard”
- The banning of osteopathic medicine, chiropractic medicine, naturopathy and homeopathy previously taught at universities
- More regulations created around medical education
- More stringent prerequisites for medical training
The Flexner Report
While the Flexner Report purportedly increased the medical training of American physicians, the true cost to patients has been enormous. Many doctors’ salaries are now paid through generous donations from foundations such as Rockefeller and Carnegie – encouraging them to spend more time in the laboratory conducting scientific research than caring for patients.
Several members of a group called the Hopkins Circle also played a crucial role in facilitating this upheaval of the American and Canadian medical systems.
Dr. William Welch MD, one of four founding professors at Johns Hopkins Hospital, was the driving force that helped elevate Johns Hopkins School of Medicine to its current esteemed status. Welch also enlisted William Osler as first chief of medicine and Frederick Gates, an American Baptist clergyman who doubled as the trusted philanthropic advisor to oil tycoon John D. Rockefeller.
Ultimately, Osler (and many other medical experts) would speak out against a medical system that prioritized scientific research over patient care, but their protests were largely censored through the large sums of money doled out by the philanthropic foundations to ensure their money-making vision would be implemented at all costs.
Modern Medicine
Fast forward to 2023, a time during which the cozy relationship between the pharmaceutical industry, mainstream media, and the US government has never been so blatant. In 2022, Gov. Newsom signed AB2098 into law, dealing a harsh blow to the health freedoms of Californians by threatening to revoke the licenses of doctors who disseminate “false information that is contradicted by contemporary scientific consensus contrary to the standard of care.” But, as you may know by now, the mainstream media has been routinely censoring unfavorable information related to pharmaceutical interventions for Covid, and favorable information related to natural and readily available alternatives – choosing to create their own version of “truth”.
Recently, two organizations have joined forces with a group of doctors in an effort to sue state officials on the basis that AB 2098 violates the First Amendment. Earlier this year, Senior Federal Judge William Schubb called the law’s clarity into question – saying its definition of misinformation is “nonsense”.
This was a very hopeful turn of events signaling that groups like Free Now Foundation can reverse the course of this unjust law, and others like it, if we continue to build on the momentum of our many recent legal wins.
Sources:
(The Flexner Report – 100 yrs later – NIH)
(William H. Welch – Wikipedia)
Vivian Kanchian holds a Masters degree in Public Health, and a Bachelors in Nutrition. She is a firm believer in food as medicine, and the link between soil and gut health. She is endlessly inspired by nature’s cycle of stress-rest-regeneration. You may find some of her work at Shroomer.com.
Aria Morgan is the Managing Editor of Free Now Foundation. Aria is a passionate and accomplished editor with a diverse background in writing for various industries, including music, film, health and yoga, and with published covers and feature credits in national magazines. Aria is dedicated to protecting civil rights and promoting health and medical freedom, and is thrilled to be a part of the Free Now Foundation team.
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