Final answer:
In preindustrial America, medical education was unregulated, with no overseeing organizations leading to the use of often harmful treatments. There were significant inequalities in access, prompting the creation of medical schools for African Americans. Medical teachings were influenced by traditional remedies and varied by location and social factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main features of medical education in preindustrial America included a lack of standardized medical training, the absence of professional medical organizations to oversee practices, and a reliance on traditional medicine. Medical education was largely unregulated before the American Medical Association (AMA) was formed in 1847; however, the AMA initially had little authority to dictate medical practice. Doctors often prescribed harmful treatments, and there was considerable inequality in access to medical instruction, particularly for African Americans, leading to the establishment of separate Black medical colleges. Educational content was highly influenced by traditional and folk remedies, as modern medicine was not a pivotal focus of these institutions. The quality of medical education and access varied greatly depending on geographic location, wealth, race, and gender.