The word “doctor” originates from the Latin term docere, meaning “to teach.”

One of the oldest known physicians in recorded history is Imhotep of ancient Egypt (circa 2600 BCE) though his status as a doctor is debated.

Hippocrates is often referred to as the Father of Medicine, although modern historians note that he was one of many influential Greek physicians. His name inspired the Hippocratic Oath, which pledges to do no harm. The Hippocratic Oath was originally written in ancient Greek.

Medieval doctors believed that illness resulted from an imbalance among the four humors: blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile.

Bloodletting remained a mainstream medical treatment for nearly 2,000 years.

The first female doctor in modern history was Elizabeth Blackwell, who graduated in 1849.

Before anesthesia was discovered, surgery depended on speed rather than precision.

The plague doctor costume with its bird-like mask was created to protect against what was believed to be “miasma,” or contaminated air.

The first stethoscope was invented in 1816 by René Laennec, who initially used a rolled sheet of paper because he felt too embarrassed to place his ear directly against a woman’s chest.

In several countries, surgeons traditionally wear green or blue scrubs because these colors lessen eye strain compared to white.

The average doctor spends 10 to 14 years training after high school.

Some doctors have untidy handwriting because their thoughts progress more rapidly than their hands can write.

The first successful organ transplant was a kidney transplant in 1954.

The average primary care doctor oversees more than 2,000 patients on their roster.

Emergency room doctors routinely manage more than 20 different medical conditions during a single shift.

The average doctor walks between 2 and 5 miles during each shift.

Doctors’ white coats can retain bacteria, which has led many hospitals to discourage wearing them during patient examinations.

Doctors once believed that ulcers were caused by stress until researchers identified the bacterium H. pylori.

Newborn infants are evaluated using the Apgar Score, which was developed by anesthesiologist Virginia Apgar.

The first documented psychiatric hospital was established in Baghdad during the 9th century.

Ancient doctors used honey as an antibiotic, and modern medicine continues to use it for wound treatment.

Medical students frequently practice suturing on pig feet because they closely replicate the texture of human skin.

Some doctors specialize in hyperbaric medicine, which treats patients inside pressurized chambers.

Doctors experience a high risk of burnout, with rates surpassing 50 percent in certain specialties.

Despite longstanding stereotypes, most doctors report that their primary motivation for entering the field was simply the desire to help people.