„Medicine is a social science, and politics is nothing else than medicine on a large scale”: Rudolf Virchow and applied social sciences

The present article discusses the influence on the development of applied sciences exerted by Rudolf Virchow (1821–1902) – a German physician, pathologist, anthropologist and political activist, who is considered the father of Public Health and Social Medicine. His research on medical aspects of poverty lead him to conclusion that radical solutions are needed in providing medical care, but also in education and public policies. The main stress is put on the social dimension of Virchow’s thinking and its impact on practice. 

The present article discusses the influence on the development of applied sciences exerted by Rudolf Virchow (1821–1902) – a German physician, pathologist, anthropologist and political activist, who is considered the father of Public Health and Social Medicine. His research on medical aspects of poverty lead him to conclusion that radical solutions are needed in providing medical care, but also in education and public policies. The main stress is put on the social dimension of Virchow’s thinking and its impact on practice.