1001 nights, the impact of Arabic/Islamic civilization on medical education

Authors: Omar Alhussaini

Conference: International Dialogue Of Civilization And Tolerance Conference – Abu Dhabi 2024
Keywords: history of the medical education in the Arabic/Islamic civilizations.

Abstract

1001 nights…..the impact of Arabic/Islamic civilization on medical education, Sultanate of Oman) Background: This is a review of the impact of Arabic Islamic civilization on medical education from the time before Islam until the fall of the Abbasid Empire mid of the thirteenth century A.D. Summary of work: Reviewing the different important aspects of medical education at that time and drawing similarities with the current modern trends. Summary of results: Great emphasis on the importance of communication skills, ethics, licensing and attitudes towards patients and basis of research. One example, of many, mentioned in the presentation, is that the first licensing process was established in Baghdad during the Caliph Almuqtadar reign at the end of the 10th century. Conclusions: Many of the current trends in medical education basis where laid down many centuries back by the so called Hakeem, an Arabic word meaning the wise, knowledgeable and experienced chief physician. Take-home messages: Our ancestors have played a major role in setting up the current trends and practice in medical education.