Final answer:
The insignificance of the medical profession in preindustrial America can be attributed to the lack of medical organizations, presence of quack doctors, barriers in medical education, racial discrimination, and limited scientific advancements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The medical profession in preindustrial America remained largely an insignificant trade due to a variety of factors. Firstly, without professional medical organizations or standards, the medical field was fragmented and lacked cohesive regulation.
The American Medical Association (AMA), founded in 1847, had limited power during this era to enforce medical practices. Additionally, there was a prevalent presence of quack doctors who often prescribed harmful treatments. Educational barriers further amplified these issues, as medical education was not widespread or standardized, which affected the quality of medical personnel and services.
Racial discrimination within healthcare during this period established a hierarchy, limiting the services available to African Americans and propelling a two-tier healthcare system. Black medical professionals faced significant challenges in gaining professional experience and acceptance.
While the AMA refused membership to black physicians, leading to the creation of the National Medical Association, the inequality in access persisted through segregation and professional exclusion.
Furthermore, the lack of technological and scientific advancements in the field meant that many people relied on traditional or folk medicine, prayers, and herbal remedies for treatment of illnesses, as scientific medical services were limited and often inaccessible.
The lifestyle of the majority, based on agricultural work and small communities, also diminished the need for elaborate medical services which were more oriented towards urban populations affected by the industrial change.