U.S. Public Health Service
This chapter discusses how the U.S. Public Health Service evolved from the 1890’s to the 1920’s while screening potential immigrants for disease and so-called “defects.” Kraut states, “In an era when sophisticated diagnostic technology was still limited and personal observation was a highly regarded method of diagnosis, the PHS physicians on Ellis took great pride in their ability to spot illness or disability quickly and with only modest clues.” What are some issues you can think of with using this type of diagnosis? Support your statements with some specific examples from the reading.
Kraut, A.M. – Silent Travelers – Chapter 3