Army Doctors Rewarded

Emperor Augustus has improved the rank and conditions of army doctors.

The Emperor knows that good medical care is essential in keeping the army fit and successful. Doctors in the army will get privileges, land and retirement benefits. Hospitals will be built where it is practical and safe to do so.

Emperor Augustus' improvements in the rank and conditions of army doctors have shown just how much the army appreciates a good medic.

Now (approx 100 AD) all army doctors have to be trained at the new army medical school. They are not allowed to work unless they pass their exams.

Army doctors are helped by staff including assistants, battlefield paramedics, ointment makers and ambulance men. They learn a lot on the battlefield. Generally they are good at setting broken bones and are excellent surgeons.

Doctors also have special techniques for taking out arrows stuck in the body. They stitch up cuts, amputate badly damaged arms and legs and are practised at stopping bleeding. A soldier who loses a leg can have an artificial one made.

Roman doctors boil the equipment they use before they operate on a patient which seems to improve the success rate of surgery. Wounds are cleaned using sour wine, which helps them heal more quickly. Some plants are used to make painkillers. All doctors must pass on their knowledge to other doctors.

Doctors also make sure that the army camps away from swamps and other places that might cause diseases. Sick patients are kept on their own to keep other soldiers safe.

A good diet and fresh air are also seen as important by the medical team.