Surgery

Surgery (from the Greek cheirourgia - lit. "hand work") is the medical specialty that treats diseases or injuries by operative manual and instrumental treatment. Surgeons are medical practitioners who specialize in surgery.

Development of modern surgery

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mention Ambrose Pare -->

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Surgeons are distinguished from physicians by being referred to as "Mister." This tradition has its origins in the 18th century, when surgeons were barber-surgeons and did not have a degree (or indeed any formal qualification), unlike physicians, who were doctors with a university medical degree.

Related Topics:
Mister - 18th century - Barber-surgeon - Physician

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By the beginning of the 19th century, surgeons had obtained high status, and in 1800, the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) in London began to offer surgeons a formal status via RCS membership. The title Mister became a badge of honour, and today only surgeons who hold the Membership or Fellowship of one of the Royal Colleges of Surgery are entitled to call themselves Mister, Miss, Mrs or Ms.

Related Topics:
19th century - 1800 - Royal College of Surgeons - Royal Colleges - Mister - Miss - Mrs - Ms

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In contrast, American physicians and surgeons are always addressed as "Doctor."

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