The Rockefeller Paradox and the Flexner Report
The Flexner Report reshaped medicine under the guise of reform — but also erased natural healing from education. Behind it lies a paradox involving John D. Rockefeller himself...
In 1910, the Flexner Report, backed by Rockefeller and the Carnegie Foundation, overhauled medical education across North America. Schools teaching homeopathy and naturopathy were closed, while only laboratory-focused institutions received funding.
Ironically, Rockefeller personally used homeopathic doctors for decades, yet his philanthropy helped create a system that favored pharmaceuticals and research chemistry over traditional healing.
This shift birthed the modern pharmaceutical era — a model emphasizing chemistry and patents over plants and balance. The paradox reminds us that progress and profit have long shaped what's called 'scientific.'
Reviewed for research accuracy. Educational / research context only — not medical advice.