10. The widespread application of the scientific method to discover and evaluate biological processes and therapeutic measures (throughout the 1900's)

Many advancements occurred as a result of the development of medical institutions with resources devoted to the discovery and research of biological processes and to scientifically controlled studies of therapeutic measures. Large scale, well-controlled studies of pharmacologic agents and medical procedures on large populations determined what is safe and effective. Without scientific standards, medical care would remain in the dark ages of guesswork. Medical schools and research institutes have educated the future generation of scholars for the next century.

 

C. Anderson Hedberg is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center and Rush Medical College. His Top 10 list mainly discusses the major developments in health and medicine. He cites far-reaching advances in the fight against disease and identifies a number of technological developments that had major impacts on human betterment.

1.

The discovery of the genetic code (1953)
2. The control and prevention of infectious diseases (middle to late 1900's)
3. The development of surgical and anesthetic techniques (middle to late 1900's)
4.

The invention of the transistor (1947) and the computer (mid-1900's)
5. The development of machines that replace organ function (middle to late 1900's)
6. Advances in knowledge of the immune system (middle to late 1900's)
7. The first use of insulin to treat diabetes mellitus (1922)
8. The discovery and development of medicine to control depression and other psychiatric illnesses (middle to late 1900's)
9. Gaining understanding of the influence of the environment and addictions in causing disease (middle to late 1900's)
10. The widespread application of the scientic method to discover and evaluate biological processes and therapeutic measures (throughout the 1900's)