Why Medical Science Lags Behind Other Disciplines: The Lack of a Curing Paradigm
The field of medical science often appears lagging behind other scientific disciplines such as astronomy and DNA research. This discrepancy is not just theoretical but also reflected in the practical outcomes of medical practices. The crux of this lag stems from a fundamental issue: the lack of a clear and scientifically defined concept of 'cure'.
The Deficit of a Curing Paradigm
Astronomy and DNA research have made significant strides over the past centuries, with astronomy dating back to ancient civilizations and DNA research unraveling genetic mysteries in the late 20th century. In contrast, the progress in medical science has been notably slower, as many medical practices focus on treatment rather than cure. The term 'cure' is often used interchangeably with 'treatment'
However, in the realm of medical science, 'cured' is not scientifically defined for most diseases. This vagueness is problematic, as the goal of a 'successful treatment' is often to maximize financial gains rather than achieve true cure. In clinical studies, curing is not typically defined and thus not tested for. This leads to an oversight of cured cases, often dismissed as anecdotal evidence.
Defining Cure Scientifically
It is relatively straightforward to define 'cure' scientifically. For instance, a cure for diabetes would be demonstrated by the complete and permanent abatement of symptoms and the restoration of normal metabolic function. The same applies to other diseases such as arthritis, ADHD, back pain, cancer, and epilepsy. Unfortunately, there is little interest or effort to establish such definitions in medical research.
Furthermore, many illnesses are diagnosed only in disease states, thus requiring multiple cures. The concept of a partial cure is also lacking, hindering progress towards a complete cure of most diseases. Instead of advancing towards a cure, modern medicine often positions itself as 'fundraising for a cure' or 'searching for the cure', which masks the reality that a single cure may no longer be achievable for certain diseases.
Implications for Medical Research
The lack of a clear notion of 'cure' is a major impediment to the advancement of medical research. Without a defined goal of 'curing', research efforts tend to focus on symptomatic relief and prolonged survival rather than actual cure. This approach does not align with the ethical and scientific standards necessary for fundamental breakthroughs in medical science.
Moreover, the scientific community's disinterest in defining 'cure' contributes to a gap in knowledge and understanding. In areas like cancer research and chronic diseases, there is a need for robust definitions to guide the development of effective and reliable cures.
Conclusion
The progress of medical science is held back by the lack of a clear and scientifically defined paradigm for 'cure'. This highlights the importance of inclusively defining and testing for 'cured' cases in clinical studies. Only through a comprehensive and scientifically sound approach can the field of medical science achieve true breakthroughs that benefit humanity.
To your health,
Tracy