Category: Health philosophy

Over 500 years in the making, the dominant biomedical framework has historically focused heavily on the mechanics of the body. Grasping **what is the difference between the medical model and the disease model?** is essential for understanding the evolution and future of modern healthcare and patient care paradigms.

Dominant in Western medicine since the late 19th century, the medical model provides a framework for understanding health and illness that centers on biological and physiological factors. So, what does the medical model reveal to us about the nature of disease and the limits of this approach?

While no single person is credited with creating the core principles of the medical model, two notable psychiatrists were instrumental in coining and popularizing the term itself. Unpacking who invented the medical model reveals a narrative not of a singular creation, but of a conceptual framework that evolved over centuries.

Arising primarily during the 19th century with breakthroughs like germ theory, the general medical model has been a dominant force in Western medicine. This authoritative guide will explore the fundamental assumptions, benefits, and notable limitations of this foundational approach to help you understand **what is the general medical model?**