The relationship between the profession of arms and the profession of healing is a close one, dating from antiquity. Among the Greek heroes who fought in the Trojan War were Podalirius and Machaon, physician sons of Aesculapius-they not only gave medical assistance but took their places in the battle line. In Homer’s Iliad, we catch a glimpse of the worth accorded them when Machaon was wounded in his right shoulder by Paris’ arrow and Idomeneus quickly ordered his removal to safety in a chariot, because “a doctor is worth many men put together, at extracting arrows and applying soothing ointments.”1
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The author(s) declare there are no affiliations with or involvement in any organisation or entity with any financial interest in the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript.
