This course highlights transformative milestones in medicine from the 18th century to today, beginning with Jenner’s smallpox vaccine. We will explore key medical and public health advances, the innovators behind them, and the profound effects these breakthroughs have had on longevity and quality of life. The course offers a compelling look at how science and clinical care have worked together to reshape health outcomes over the past two centuries.

Gordon Josephson, MD, MPH, is a retired emergency physician and former Chief Operating Officer of Baystate Medical Practices in Springfield, Massachusetts. He holds a Master of Public Health from Harvard University and a medical degree from the State University of New York. Dr. Josephson remains active in the lifelong learning community and currently serves as president of the OLLI Board of Directors.

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