The Art & Science of Being a Doctor

Research findings relating to the genome – along with the

application of these findings in understanding the basis of
disease, the treatment of disease, and hopefully its prevention –
can only challenge the scientific minds of physicians and their
desire to bring the latest to their patients. This increased
knowledge will bring the doctor to a better understanding of the
true basis of disease.

Increasing medical records’ use of the computer will provide the

physician with easy access to all patient data, assisting in and
ensuring a more accurate diagnosis and comprehensive care. The
computer and Internet give the physician and the public access to
medical information, and as this area matures, it will provide a
stronger database of current research and up-to-date medical
thinking for the doctor.

Members of the general public already use the Internet to search

for an understanding of their illnesses, and this research will
make them more active participants in their own care, which can
enhance the communications between doctor and patient.

These advances in technology and information, I believe, will

contribute to the emergence of the specialist in medical practice,
such as the cardiovascular surgeon. The generalist will be the
entry level of medicine.

I believe, as do others, that the future will see a continuation in

the speed of change in medicine, and that the changes will be
both a challenge and a source of satisfaction for us all. The

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