noun
doctor of Western medicine (Edo period)
Historical term for a physician who practiced Western-style medicine, as opposed to traditional Chinese medicine (漢方医), during Japan's Edo period.
See also: 漢方医
江戸時代、蘭方医は西洋医学を学び、多くの命を救った。
During the Edo period, doctors of Western medicine studied Western medical science and saved many lives.
Compound of 蘭 (ran, 'Dutch', referring to Western learning via the Netherlands) + 方 (hō, 'method') + 医 (i, 'doctor'). The term arose during the Edo period when Western medicine was introduced through Dutch traders.