History of Medicine The Internist by Jose Perez (Oil on Canvas,
24in x 30in, 61.5cm x 77cm) Copyright: This image may not be
saved locally, modified, reproduced, or distributed by any other
means without the written permission of the copyright owners.
The medieval setting Perez chose for this painting seems to fit
the personality of the specialty. It also adds strength to
Perez' belief that men still hold archaic opinions about women
and often treat them accordingly. Yet, when things go wrong,
they often cry for their mother -- hence the woman internist.
The churchmen and court attendants represent all the other
professionals who surround the department of internal medicine
-- and there's a strong contingent from the area of religion. Is
that because the internist needs divine direction, or because
the patient may need to be helped into the next world? In spite
of the fact that he is symbolically larger than the doctor, the
patient certainly dares not question her medical judgment. The
assistants reverently p