Clinical Applications of the History of Medicine in Muslim-Majority Nations.

This article examines the integration and relevance of the history of medicine, particularly Islamic medical history, in medical education and clinical practice within Muslim-majority countries, primarily in the Middle East. It argues that studying medical history fosters critical thinking, cultural competence, ethical reasoning, and professional identity formation among healthcare practitioners by providing insights into historical medical philosophies, traditional practices, and sociocultural contexts. The article highlights the enduring influence of Islamic medical ethics, traditional healing methods, and diverse illness beliefs on patient care, advocating for curricula that include Islamic medical ethics, cultural competency, epistemology, history of science and medicine, and traditional medicine. It also emphasizes the value of historical medical figures and narratives in inspiring practitioners and suggests that understanding historical and cultural dimensions can improve patient-provider relationships and healthcare outcomes in the region.