Final answer:
By 1860, the American medical profession was characterized by relatively primitive standards, despite the American Medical Association's foundation in 1847. Bloodletting practices began to be questioned, but widespread advancements were slow to be adopted in the U.S. The Black medical profession advanced significantly under considerable institutional barriers. Therefore, the correct option is A.
Step-by-step explanation:
American Medical Profession by 1860
The American medical profession by 1860 was noted for its still primitive standards. While the American Medical Association had been founded in 1847, its influence in overseeing medical practices was limited, and the American health reform movement was fragmented. Quack doctors often prescribed harmful treatments, and professional medical organizations had yet to establish potent standards.
Despite this, there were some advancements. For instance, bloodletting, once a common practice, began to be questioned and was less widely recommended by the late 1800s. Advancements in medical science, such as the discovery of germs by scientists like Robert Koch and Louis Pasteur and the development of antiseptics and anesthetics made headways in Europe, but the widespread adoption in American medical practice took longer.
By the start of the twentieth century, the Black medical profession had made significant progress through organizations like the National Medical Association despite facing severe discrimination and lack of access to professional medical opportunities and resources.