We’ll explore medical practices during the Civil War, from surgery without anesthesia and widespread infection to the birth of formal nursing.
About the Event
The state of medicine during the Civil War was marked by a combination of outdated practices and advances in medical knowledge and technology. Join us for a discussion with Ashleigh Meyer of Old City Cemetery in Lynchburg, Virginia, that will explore:
- The limits of medical knowledge during the Civil War
- Civil War surgery, usually performed without anesthesia
- High rates of infection and amputation
- The beginning of formalized nursing, influenced by Clara Barton and Dorothea Dix
- Innovations, including the use of ambulances and a system for categorizing injuries based on severity
The war served as a catalyst for the development of better medical practices and systems. Lessons learned contributed to the advancement of medicine in the years that followed.
How to Join
Sign in to your AARP.org account or create an account to register for events. AARP membership is not required. You will receive an email with the Zoom link before class.
Explore other free online Travel & History classes and check out AARP Local for events in your state.
Contact AARP Virginia at aarpva@aarp.org for more information about this event.