Join or Die with Craig Ferguson Season 1 Episode 2 History's Worst Medical Advice

History's Worst Medical Advice is the second episode of Join or Die with Craig Ferguson season 1. In this episode, Craig and his guests delve into some of the most outrageous medical practices throughout history that actually worsened conditions or caused harm to patients.

The episode begins with Craig introducing his panelists, who are all experts in the field of medicine. They are Dr. Paul Knoepfler, a stem cell scientist and author; Dr. Maria Charlap, a New York-based doctor and medical writer; and Dr. Gerta Oertel, a clinical Neurologist and expert on medical history.

The show kicks off with a discussion about one of the ancient medical practices known as trepanning. The panelists debate whether it was a legitimate practice or not, with some arguing that it could have potentially helped alleviate the pressure on the brain caused by head injuries while others claimed it was barbaric and unscientific.

They then move on to discuss the history of bloodletting, which was a popular medical practice until the 19th century. Craig and his guests examine how the practice was used to treat everything from high blood pressure to mental illness, and they delve into the gruesome lengths physicians went to during the procedure.

The panelists also examine some of the most famous medical hoaxes in history, including the case of John R. Brinkley, a doctor who claimed to have found a cure for impotence by transplanting goat testicles into men. They discuss how Brinkley's medical practice became a multimillion-dollar business until the American Medical Association began cracking down on him and finally revoked his license.

The episode also looks at the history of lobotomies, which were once seen as a miracle cure for mental illness in the mid-20th century. The panelists discuss the horrific side effects of the procedure, with some patients losing their ability to communicate and others suffering from permanent brain damage.

Finally, the panelists debate the merits of various alternative medical practices, including the use of leeches and the belief in the healing powers of magnets. While some of these practices have been found to be of some benefit to patients, others are considered ineffective or even dangerous.

Throughout the episode, Craig brings his signature wit and humor to the discussion, providing humorous commentary on some of the more absurd medical practices throughout history. The panelists offer their own insights and experiences, making for a lively and informative discussion on some of the worst medical advice in history.

Overall, History's Worst Medical Advice is a fascinating look at the darker side of medical history. It provides a stark reminder of just how far medicine has come over the centuries, and how important it is to always question the advice we receive from medical professionals.