100+ Free Diploma in the History of Medicine Practice Questions
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Key Facts: Diploma in the History of Medicine Exam
The Society of Apothecaries DHMSA examination tests comprehensive knowledge of medical history from ancient civilizations to the 21st century through an open-book essay paper, a research dissertation, and a test lecture. These free practice questions are an English-language MCQ study adaptation of that syllabus, not an official-format simulation.
Sample Diploma in the History of Medicine Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your Diploma in the History of Medicine exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1Which ancient Egyptian medical papyrus, dating to approximately 1600 BCE, is recognized as the earliest known rational surgical treatise describing trauma care, wound suturing, and physical examination without relying primarily on magical incantations?
2In classical Greek medicine, which core ethical obligation established in the Hippocratic Corpus required practitioners to avoid causing deliberate harm to patients and maintain patient confidentiality?
3Which prominent Roman-era physician of Greek origin served Emperor Marcus Aurelius and authored extensive anatomical works based primarily on the dissection of animals such as pigs and Barbary macaques?
4Which physician of the 2nd century CE, belonging to the Methodist school of medicine, wrote the definitive ancient text 'Gynaecology' covering obstetrics, infant care, and podalic version?
5The classical doctrine of Humoral Pathology attributed health and disease to the balance of four bodily fluids. Which four humours formed the core of this system?
6Which 1st-century CE Greek physician and botanist authored 'De Materia Medica', a five-volume encyclopedia that served as the chief authority on herbal medicine and pharmacognosy for 1,500 years?
7Which Islamic Golden Age physician and philosopher, known in Europe as Avicenna, compiled 'The Canon of Medicine' (Al-Qanun fi al-Tibb), a standard medical textbook in European universities until the 17th century?
8Which 9th-century Persian physician (Rhazes) provided the first clear clinical differentiation between smallpox and measles in his treatise 'Kitab al-Jadari wa-al-Hasrah'?
9Which Andalusian surgeon of the 10th century, author of the 30-volume medical encyclopedia 'Kitab al-Tasrif', is regarded as the father of modern surgery for introducing catgut sutures, surgical cautery, and over 200 surgical instruments?
10Which 13th-century Syrian-Egyptian physician correctly described the pulmonary transit of blood from the right ventricle through the lungs to the left atrium, refuting Galen's theory of invisible pores in the interventricular septum?
About the Diploma in the History of Medicine Exam
The Diploma in the History of Medicine (DHMSA), awarded by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries, evaluates understanding of medical history from classical antiquity to modern times, including key clinical discoveries, institutional developments, public health, surgical milestones, and medical ethics. Note: Practice questions provide an English MCQ study adaptation for the official assessment; it does not replace required writing, oral, portfolio, clinical, or hands-on performance.
Assessment
Performance-based assessment
Time Limit
Open-book essay paper set over 7 days; dissertation and test lecture completed to published deadlines
Passing Score
Criterion-referenced assessment pass mark across paper, dissertation, and lecture
Exam Fee
£975 (Worshipful Society of Apothecaries)
Diploma in the History of Medicine Exam Content Outline
Ancient & Medieval Medicine
Egyptian, Greco-Roman, Islamic Golden Age medicine, humoral pathology, Black Death, quarantine
Renaissance & Scientific Revolution (1500–1800)
Anatomical revolution (Vesalius), circulation (Harvey), iatrochemistry, clinical observation (Sydenham), Jenner
Nineteenth Century: Germ Theory, Anaesthesia & Public Health
Pasteur, Koch, Lister, anaesthesia, public health reform (Chadwick, Snow), cellular pathology, X-rays
Twentieth & Twenty-First Century Medicine
Antibiotics, insulin, blood groups, NHS creation, organ transplants, CT/MRI, molecular genetics, bioethics
How to Pass the Diploma in the History of Medicine Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Criterion-referenced assessment pass mark across paper, dissertation, and lecture
- Assessment: Performance-based assessment
- Time limit: Open-book essay paper set over 7 days; dissertation and test lecture completed to published deadlines
- Exam fee: £975
Keys to Passing
- Work through all 100 available questions
- Review every answer and explanation
- Track weak areas and revisit them
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
Diploma in the History of Medicine Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Society of Apothecaries DHMSA examination?
The Diploma in the History of Medicine (DHMSA) is a postgraduate qualification awarded by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London assessing knowledge of medical history from antiquity to modern times.
How are these practice questions adapted?
These practice questions provide an English MCQ study adaptation blueprinted to the official DHMSA syllabus, covering key historical milestones, figures, and concepts.