Training was carried out at universities during the Middle Ages. This meant that only men could become trained physicians. Training was based upon the works of Galen and Hippocrates with little, if any, practical experience. There were textbooks such as Gilbert Eagle's Compendium Medicine (1230). They might also learn medical knowledge from the Islamic world. Study at university could take up to 7 years. Doctors would focus on clinical observation to provide a diagnosis and would be able to take a patient's pulse and study their urine.

Barber-Surgeons would train on the job through an apprenticeship so this role was open to women. Women also worked as midwives.

Wise Women would pass information from generation to generation although there were some books of remedies such as the Leech Book of Bald (950).

GCSE Health and the People AQA

Training in the Middle Ages