Libraries, Hospitals, Medical Schools, Cancer Centers, Specialty Boards/Fellowships, and Societies

Besides technical and equipment changes, patients also changed. In the not-so-distant past, few people ever saw a doctor. Those that did were treated at home, even surgically. Others were cared for in an infirmary, alms house, or asylum. The industrial revolution and growth of cities resulted in large city or government hospitals for the poor—who suspected they would probably die there. After the United States Congress passed the Hill-Burton Act in 1946, more than 9000 new medical facilities were funded. Medical schools developed teaching hospitals and an association with a nearby university encouraged clinical research. Certification by a board became important to identify subspecialists. Subspecialty fellowships, societies, and journals were established.