Dutch Doctor Warns Healthcare Regressing to Medieval Times

Dutch physician and professor Schelto Kruijff warns that modern healthcare is regressing to medieval standards, citing a decline in basic diagnostic skills and an over-reliance on technology. Kruijff expressed these concerns in an interview with the Leeuwarder Courant on April 29, 2026, highlighting a worrying trend of diminished clinical examination abilities among younger doctors.

According to Kruijff, the increasing dependence on scans and lab tests is eroding the fundamental skill of physical examination. He argues that doctors are becoming less adept at diagnosing illnesses based on a patient’s symptoms and physical signs, a cornerstone of medical practice for centuries. “We are slowly returning to the Middle Ages with our health,” Kruijff stated in the interview.

A Shift Away From Traditional Diagnostic Methods

The concerns raised by Kruijff echo a broader discussion within the medical community about the impact of technology on clinical skills. While advanced diagnostic tools undoubtedly offer significant benefits, there is growing recognition that they should complement, not replace, traditional methods. A thorough physical examination can often provide crucial clues to a diagnosis, and can also help to avoid unnecessary and potentially harmful tests.

The Leeuwarder Courant article does not detail specific examples of diagnostic errors or the extent of the decline in clinical skills. However, it suggests that the trend is noticeable enough to warrant concern from a seasoned medical professional like Kruijff. The article focuses primarily on his warning about a potential regression in healthcare quality.

Medieval Medicine: More Sophisticated Than Often Believed

Interestingly, recent research suggests that medieval medicine was more advanced than commonly perceived. A study published by Binghamton University in July 2025, and highlighted by ScienceDaily, revealed that early Europeans actively explored healing practices based on observation and experience. This research challenges the traditional view of the Middle Ages as a period of medical stagnation.

The Binghamton University study, focusing on the Corpus of Early Medieval Latin Medicine (CEMLM), found that medieval practitioners were concerned with cures and meticulously documented their observations of the natural world. Some of their remedies even align with modern wellness trends, as evidenced by illustrations in manuscripts like the Cotton MS Vitellius C III, which depict uses for herbs that resonate with contemporary practices. Meg Leja, an associate professor of history at Binghamton University, noted that people in the Middle Ages “were engaging with medicine on a much broader scale than had previously been thought.”

However, the comparison between modern healthcare and medieval practices is not intended to suggest that modern medicine is failing. Rather, it highlights the importance of maintaining a balance between technological advancements and fundamental clinical skills. The medieval approach, while limited by the knowledge and tools available at the time, emphasized careful observation and a holistic understanding of the patient – qualities that remain essential in modern medical practice.

The Importance of a Holistic Approach

Kruijff’s warning underscores the need for medical education to prioritize the development of strong clinical examination skills alongside proficiency in interpreting diagnostic tests. A comprehensive medical education should equip doctors with the ability to integrate information from various sources – patient history, physical examination, and laboratory results – to arrive at an accurate diagnosis and develop an effective treatment plan.

The potential consequences of neglecting these fundamental skills are significant. Over-reliance on technology can lead to misdiagnosis, unnecessary procedures, and increased healthcare costs. It can erode the trust between doctors and patients, as patients may feel that their concerns are not being adequately addressed through a thorough and personalized examination.

While the Leeuwarder Courant article does not offer specific solutions to address this issue, it serves as a timely reminder of the importance of preserving the art of medicine alongside the science. Maintaining a strong foundation in clinical skills is crucial to ensuring that healthcare continues to advance and provide the best possible care for patients.