The Importance of Handwashing: Lessons from Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis

Max Brooks discusses Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis, who discovered the importance of handwashing in preventing childbed fever in the 19th century. Despite initial resistance and being institutionalized, Semmelweis's practices eventually gained acceptance, saving countless lives by promoting hygiene.

Who was Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis?

• A scientist who invented the microscope.

• A doctor who discovered the importance of handwashing.

• A philosopher who wrote about hygiene.

• A famous surgeon known for his surgical techniques.

What was the initial reaction of the medical community to germ theory?

• They immediately accepted it.

• They were skeptical and dismissive.

• They had already been practicing it.

• They were unaware of its existence.

What was the main difference between the two clinics in Semmelweis's hospital?

• The number of patients treated.

• The type of medical procedures performed.

• The location of the clinics.

• The presence of student doctors versus student midwives.

What event led Semmelweis to understand the source of childbed fever?

• A new medical study published in Vienna.

• An autopsy incident where a doctor cut himself.

• A visit to another hospital.

• A conversation with a fellow doctor.

Why were doctors initially resistant to Semmelweis's handwashing policy?

• They believed it was unnecessary and time-consuming.

• They thought it was too expensive.

• They had no access to clean water.

• They were unaware of the policy.

What was the outcome of Semmelweis's handwashing policy at his hospital?

• No change in infection rates.

• A temporary decrease followed by an increase.

• An increase in childbed fever cases.

• A significant decrease in childbed fever cases.

What was the 'good old stink of surgery' referring to?

• The aroma of food served to patients.

• The odor of unwashed hands after surgery.

• The smell of antiseptics used in surgery.

• The scent of fresh flowers in the operating room.

What happened to Semmelweis after he proposed his handwashing theory?

• He was awarded a prestigious medical prize.

• He was promoted to head of the hospital.

• He moved to another country to continue his work.

• He was ridiculed and eventually institutionalized.

How did the medical community eventually respond to Semmelweis's findings?

• They ignored his findings completely.

• They gradually accepted the importance of hygiene.

• They immediately implemented his policies worldwide.

• They found alternative explanations for childbed fever.

What was the long-term impact of Semmelweis's discovery?

• It had no significant impact on medical practices.

• It saved countless lives by promoting hygiene.

• It led to the development of new surgical tools.

• It was only relevant in his hospital.