Final answer:
Barber-surgeons began their practice in the medieval period, particularly noted in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries,
but the culmination of professional healthcare roles and modern medical education became more defined by the late nineteenth century.
Step-by-step explanation:
The transition from clergy to barber-surgeons practicing as physicians and surgeons began in earnest during the medieval period, particularly in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries.
At this time, significant figures such as Leonardo da Vinci and Andreas Vesalius began producing detailed anatomical drawings, sparking increased interest in human anatomy and the eventual establishment of medical schools teaching human dissection.
However, the role of physicians had generally been distinct from those of barber-surgeons, and the latter never truly 'took over' the role of physicians. Rather, their roles were often complementary, with barber-surgeons more focused on practical surgical work, which they continued to evolve throughout the medieval period and into the Renaissance.
It's important to note that legal and academic recognition for different medical practitioners, including surgeons, physicians, and apothecaries, evolved over centuries.
By the late nineteenth century, modern medical education and professional accreditation began taking shape, marking a clearer distinction and elevation of the medical profession.