The time period of WWI and WWII is often identified as a time of battles, bloodshed, and drastic political changes. This time period was also responsible for catapulting many medical technological advancements and developing several specialty fields of medicine. As medical research and knowledge grew, related industries, such as life insurance companies, sought to establish identifiers of an ideal, healthy client. As a result, body averages and standards were set, creating an image of normalcy. The growing selection of options, advancements, and newfound body standards promoted individuals to shift from the mindset of a patient to consumer of medicine.
In the early 20th century new technological discoveries quickly advanced research and treatment protocols in the areas of radiology and plastic surgery. Plastic surgery developed out of a need to help WWI soldiers wounded by bullets and shrapnel. During WWI, Dr. Harold Gillies “developed some of the world’s first successful skin grafts” (Furness, 2012). Dr. Gillies’ work …show more content…
This timeframe marked the beginning of a patient’s ability to have a deciding factor in how to combat an illness or disease. New technological advancements created lifesaving procedures, but also marketed easily accessible treatments for the average consumer. Patients were transitioned into consumerism as they shopped for life insurance policies that would suit them. Additionally, patients began transforming themselves to fit new cultural body standards, which would allegedly give them an advantage in life and household business matters. Finally, WWI and WWII marked a transitionary time period to consumerism. By creating options and variety, patients were able to shop for specialists, treatment options, and insurance policies, ultimately creating a newfound consumer
In the early 20th century new technological discoveries quickly advanced research and treatment protocols in the areas of radiology and plastic surgery. Plastic surgery developed out of a need to help WWI soldiers wounded by bullets and shrapnel. During WWI, Dr. Harold Gillies “developed some of the world’s first successful skin grafts” (Furness, 2012). Dr. Gillies’ work …show more content…
This timeframe marked the beginning of a patient’s ability to have a deciding factor in how to combat an illness or disease. New technological advancements created lifesaving procedures, but also marketed easily accessible treatments for the average consumer. Patients were transitioned into consumerism as they shopped for life insurance policies that would suit them. Additionally, patients began transforming themselves to fit new cultural body standards, which would allegedly give them an advantage in life and household business matters. Finally, WWI and WWII marked a transitionary time period to consumerism. By creating options and variety, patients were able to shop for specialists, treatment options, and insurance policies, ultimately creating a newfound consumer