Premium Essay

Medical Advancements

Submitted By
Words 1444
Pages 6
Medical advancements throughout history are notable among society due to the millions of lives they save. Throughout the course of history, as these advancements are discovered, people look past the cons that these advancements could bring if not controlled. Antibiotics, often called the “miracle drug,” are widely proclaimed because of the countless varieties there are and the variety of diseases they cure and treat.
Four out of every five Americans have used one type of antibiotic to treat common infections such as strep throat and even life threatening infections such as pneumonia (CBS/AP 2013). Bacterial infections that were previously incurable are now things of the past and “superbugs” that have risen from different strains of antimicrobial resistant bacteria are becoming threats of the future. Antibiotics have saved and helped the lives of millions worldwide, however, the commonly abused drugs are becoming a threat to the natural world. Antibiotics are chemical substances produced by microorganisms which destroy or prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms (McGrew 22). In 1928, Alexander Fleming, a Scottish bacteriologist, accidentally unearthed …show more content…
The 150,000 different strains of these simple prokaryotes can be life threatening to humans and due to human advances in medicine, the lives of millions have been saved. More and more people abuse antibiotics instead of naturally allowing the body to fight off infection. The use of antibiotics when the purpose doesn’t call for also increases the risk of antimicrobial resistant death, which is rising at alarming rates. By 2050, a predicted 317,000 deaths are going to be attributed to antimicrobial resistance (O’Neill). In 2013, 23,000 deaths in the United States were attributed to antimicrobial resistance, a whopping 1378%

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Analysis of a Specific Medical Advancement

...Module 6 – Written Assignment – Analysis of a Specific Medical Advancement – Jeffrey Fischbein – 2/11/14 Rocket-Powered Prosthetic Arm We have all heard the cliché “you don’t appreciate what you have until it’s gone”. For some it can be a materialistic thing as a car or a cellphone. Others are boyfriends or girlfriends that recently broken up. But for some, it can be something much more than that. Something that is more personal to them. To others it can be a limb that was lost from war, an accident, and diseases such as diabetes. We can only imagine on how hard life can be without the use of our hands. Unfortunately it is a brutal reality to others who do live day by day with only one or no arms at all. Prosthetic arms have very limited actions as some don’t bend with just a hook at the end of it. Some of the other more advanced prosthetic arms only bend and move from two places, the elbow and the wrist. With today’s technology increasingly advancing, and with the help of a university professor, the six million dollar man with robotic limbs is not too far from becoming a reality. Professor Michael Goldfarb from University Vanderbilt and his team have developed what looks to be the beginning of new prosthetic arms to be human like and very functional. “The prototype can lift (curl) about 20 to 25 pounds – three to four times more than current commercial arms – and can do so three to four times faster. "That means it has about 10 times as much power as other arms despite...

Words: 727 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

The Advancement of Technology in the Medical Field

...The Advancement of Technology in the Medical Field Technology in general has greatly improved in the last 50 or 60 years, but especially in the medical field. A lot of what drives the medical field today is computers. Computers have gone from being the size of a small room to being able to fit in the palm of your hand. The first computer was actually a calculator. With the advancements in being able to reduce the size of the integrated circuit or IC chips, also known today as microchips, they have gone from being able to fit a couple transistors on a chip to being able to implement billions of transistors on a single chip about the size of $.50 piece. With this we have really been able to advance the technology in the medical field. We have also been able to improve microscopes to be able to better see inside cells and to identify the different bacteria and viruses that infect humans and other plants and animals. Being able to better identify what is causing an illness, treatment can be greatly improved. Today there are cameras the size of a pill that you can swallow and a computer outside the body records it for the doctor to review. This makes it more appealing to the patients since it is less invasive. Technology in the medical field has come a long way in the past century. We have went from tonics that some Dr. and concocted in his office to being able to perform the major transplants that we can today. 50 years ago people would've never thought that a doctor would be able...

Words: 734 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Organization of Espn

...Strategic Communication is the advancement of a narrative. As humans, we've done this since the day we were born. In fact, it is literally the first thing we did when we were born. We moved in a direction of advancement out of our mother's wombs and celebrated after with a jubilant cry. We are natural born salespeople constantly pushing our narrative to whoever falls for it and eventually buys into what we’re selling. The "narrative" comes in all shapes and sizes: a cause, a purpose, an idea or a goal. We advance this narrative by using actions, opinions, facts and even memes. It's a constant, daily battle against others. A battle for jobs, wins, votes, donations, standing ovations, positive reviews, admiration, likes on social media, awards and deals, to name a few. In the end, we hope to achieve a favorable result and as of late, pop culture has become the largest engine that helps drive our narrative. TV shows like Shark Tank, QVC and HSN are perfectly crafted models of how to advance the narrative in front of millions of people all at once. We use TV shows like America's Got Talent and The Voice as launching pads of our narratives. We're constantly asked to assist in the daily narratives of others: "click this link", "vote by text", "call today", "go to this website", "order now" and "don't wait." I should know, I have seen firsthand how strategic communication works in media and how bloody the battle can become. If you want a real world, war-like...

Words: 505 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Forging Your Path the Home Depot

...Forging Your Path with The Home Depot Shannon Burten CGD 218 Visiual Literacy in Business David Hannum June 13, 2016 Forging Your Path with The Home Depot What is career advancement? In the article, Career advancement: What it is and how to achieve it, Louie (2013) defines it as, “…one of the most important elements for employee satisfaction and retention at a company” (para. 1). Home Depot’s main goal is employee satisfaction which correlates directly to Louie’s definition of career advancement. Career advancement is a huge opportunity at the Home Depot that many people tend to pass off after becoming complacent in different field positions. There are eight career areas within Home Depot and each area is interchangeable. The areas include: retail, merchandising, supply chain, services, contact centers, civilian, corporate, and technology. If an employee begans a career with the Home Depot in any of these areas and decides to advance, they can move vertically within that area or horizontally to a different career area. Victor Lipman (2013), contributor of Forbes Magazine, explains that, “clear opportunities for career advancement are an "especially powerful" employee motivator” (p. 1). Lipman (2013) also notes, "At times when career paths were clear, individuals tended to be more motivated, with tangible goals to work towards. At times when career paths were dim or nonexistent, individuals tended...

Words: 806 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Medical Terminology Paper

...I am writing about three news related articles that deal with current event medical topics. My first topic will be covering MERS the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome which is a respiratory virus, I will go more in depth about. Next, is Atrial Fibrillation (AFIB) this is an irregular heartbeat. Lastly I will discuss sleep apnea which deals with your breathing while sleeping. To begin with, I am going to talk about MERS. The middle east respiratory syndrome corona virus (MERS) is a Beta corona virus. MERS is closes to resembling Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) but doesn't spread as easy. SARS affected around 8,000 people around the world in 2013. MERS was found in the Middle East in the year 2012. It had come back last year in May but it was identified in Asia. There were about 160 who caught this respiratory infection and the reported death toll was 25. If patients traveled to the areas where this was found the Center for Disease Control (CDC) is urging doctors to check for the virus. Without close contact it is hard to catch this virus says experts. Further more, the common symptoms found when patients have MERS are fever, cough, and shortness of breath (SOB). The doctors can treat symptoms, but the doctors do not have a vaccine because this virus does not currently have a cure. This is even more serious for those who already have problems with their immune system. If leaving in or visiting an area infected by MERS wash hands often, avoid the sick, help your children...

Words: 875 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Medical Sonographer Research Paper

...Medical sonographer creating a better tomorrow. Imagine having a baby, when sonography was not a thing. Not being able to determine if it was a male or a female, if the baby was in good conditions or having complications throughout the pregnancy. My grandma once told me a story of a girl who lived in her town when her mother was young. She told me that this girl was pregnant for almost 8 months and no one notices. The girl was so small and skinny that her tummy just looked like gaining weight. She herself did not know. The girl had a mischarged for not knowing about the pregnancy, a few months later she committed suicide. All of the could have of been prevented with more information. Medical sonography; will prevent that it will help everyone...

Words: 1242 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Ultrasound

...Ultrasound It is an assured and apparent fact that the progression of society has for the most part trailed the widening and advancement in our understanding of science and technology. Over the past centuries, such advancements has led to some of the most innovative and groundbreaking inventions in human history. The post-World War II era saw some of these basic inventions and discoveries leap into next level advancements with the help of new technology. One of the areas that benefitted largely from the technological advancements is our health care industry. With the latest innovative medicine, doctors and researchers can now do what was unthinkable in the past century or before. One small example of such innovative technology used in today’s health care industry is the Cardiac Ultrasound Machine. Our understanding of physics has helped in better diagnosing problems without having to perform invasive procedures like before. The world of imaging in medical sciences and treatment has benefitted the most from this understanding. In today’s health care, sound waves such as the ultrasounds have changed diagnostic procedures for ever. This fact is exemplified in the invention of Cardiac Ultrasound Machine. The machine mainly consists of a transducer probe, central processing unit, transducer pulse controls, display and keyboard, storage device and a printer. The functionality of the machine depends on the piezoelectric crystals and their ability to generate sound with the absorbance...

Words: 721 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Medical Imaging History

...Extraordinary anabasis has been constructed over the past two decades in the development and expansion of modern medical imaging technologies. The evolution of advancements, including computed tomography, positron emission tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, as well as considerable innovations to conventional imaging modalities, have revolutionized medical imaging in remarkable strides. These advancements in imaging and informative technology have led to the increased prominence of those who commenced the discoveries, back in the 1800s. Furthermore, there were many remarkable inventions and milestones, through the duration of time, that have transformed the healthcare science admitted today. Perhaps the most paramount topic of discussion...

Words: 850 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Pediatrician

...What are the educational requirements to become a pediatrician? How many years to you have to study? What other training requirements, internships, licenses, continuing education, or membership in the professional societies is required? To become a pediatrician you first have to complete a general college education which may or may not focus on the sciences. As long as you do well in your studies and take a core set of pre-med courses you can major in just about anything. In fact, medical schools are eager to take students whoa re well rounded and have shown diverse interests before applying. Once in medical school there are usually 4 years of training, some in lecture form, others in practice situations and then you graduate with a degree - MD - then you first have to train in your chosen specialty - in the case of Pediatrics the training is at least 3 years long but may take even longer if you have a special interest such as pediatric cardiology or pediatric hematology. After the training period you are able to practice as a pediatrician but of course education should never stop - continuing to keep up with what’s changing and new is a vital part of your job. Most docs take a special test after training in order to become Board Certified in Pediatrics. This then entitles you to admission to the Academy of Pediatrics, a society of docs dedicated to the betterment of child health. They also provide constant sources for self education and updating on all areas of pediatrics...

Words: 1173 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

The Importance Of Animal Testing

...The use of non-human animals in controlled variable experiments that affect the behaviour or biological systems of such animals is the very definition of animal testing. Animal testing has always been a controversial subject: be it within the bounds of medicinal advancement, cosmetic research, or even in the pursuit of scientific knowledge. Many animal rights advocates and societies, such as PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) and BUAV (British Union for the Abolishment of Vivisection) questions the need for animal testing. The basis of their arguments consists of concerns over the regulation of these tests, the cruelty of such tests non-withstanding (PETA, 2017). They also question the legitimacy of animal testing, arguing that...

Words: 917 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Individual Individual Effective Communication

...enabler of healthcare advances is remarkable in healthcare communication today. Advancements in healthcare technology and communication have impacted drastically the delivery of healthcare. Communication is a necessary element in healthcare. If there is a lack of communication between family members when a person is hospitalized chaos can occur. As in business, adhering to following standards in effective communication in healthcare facilitate exchange of information between different levels of healthcare professionals as well as internal and external customers. The satisfactory exchange of information; should include concise and relevant statements avoiding unnecessary repetitions; accurate facts and figures should be provided; clear and familiar conversational words should be used. Investing to improve effective communication within healthcare setting can improve the following: improved patient and employee safety; improved quality of care and patient outcomes; decreased length of patient stay or efficient patient movement during the stay; improved patient and family satisfaction; enhanced staff morale and job satisfaction. Communication allows people to understand better and connect with one another. Information can be conveyed in different ways. When communicating with others via phone, fax or e-mail it is essential that all parties understand each other. Advancements in technology and medical equipment have drastically impacted the delivery of healthcare. The use of technology...

Words: 1024 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Animal Testing

...The number of animals killed each year in the United States alone varies between 17 and 70 million. The Animal Welfare Act (ACA) states that laboratories must report the number of animals used in experiments; yet mice, birds, and rats are not included in this figure. These animals are used in 80 to 90 percent of all animal testing. Because of this, it is impossible to calculate the exact number of animals used in such experiments (PETA, 5). Animal testing might not directly affect ordinary people each day or be an issue on everybody’s mind, yet the actions people do daily can affect animal experimentation. This has been a worldwide issue and an ongoing battle for decades. Vivisection, the practice of lab experimenting on live animals, has been around since the beginning of scientific medicine. It is an alternative to the dissection of human corpses, which resulted from religious leaders’ protests (Choose Cruelty Free). There are numerous reasons why people and organizations want animal testing changed. People of all nations and religions argue differently on this topic. Yet the main factor in deciding the moral correctness of animal experimentation is one’s personal belief. No matter which side a person takes on this topic, they feel there are several things that must be done to benefit their stance and its publicity. A group in opposition of animal testing is the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). Their main claim is put as, “Animals are not ours to...

Words: 1084 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Stop Animal Testing in the Medical Field

...Jones ENG 105 11-22-15 Stop Animal Testing in the Medical Field Lions and tiger and bears oh my. More like, monkeys and dogs and mice oh no. How does being poked, probed, opened up, burned, shocked and tortured all for the advancement of the medical field sound? Now think about all those things being done, knowing there is another way, which causes no agony, distress or discomfort to any living creature. Animal testing is a process or “tradition” that has been around for many, many years. The problem with this tradition in particular is that although it causes much pain to innocent animals and can be avoided, many choose to still use this practice today. Animals have been used as tools in biomedical research as early on as the days when Greek philosophers, such as Aristotle, were experimenting for their next scientific breakthrough. Ibn Zuhr (Avenzoar), an Arab physician in twelfth century Moorish Spain, introduced animal testing as an experimental method for testing surgical procedures before applying them to human patients (Hajar 2011). Many research associations claim that animal testing has been used in almost every single medical breakthrough within the last one hundred years. Laws have been passed in several countries to make this practice more “humane.” In reality, these laws are the bare minimum and do not truly make a difference for the animals that are being used for experimentations. Animal testing in the medical field needs to dissolve and ultimately come to an...

Words: 3596 - Pages: 15

Free Essay

Bcom/275 Debate Paper Marijuana Legalization

...Should medical marijuana be legalized nationwide? Team A BCOM/275 October 9, 2011 UoP Instructor Should medical marijuana be legalized nationwide? The use of marijuana for the treatment of patients with serious health conditions is currently one of the top contentious debate topics in the United States. Until its prohibition in 1937, marijuana was one the top three most prescribed medicines in the United States. To date, 13 states have statutory laws legalizing medical marijuana; however, it is not legal at the federal level. Several pros and cons exist to support whether medical marijuana should be or not be legalized nationwide. The primary arguments in debating the pros and cons of legalizing medical marijuana nationwide focus primarily on medical benefits, disease prevention, medical risk, substance abuse, and legal issues. Many scientific professionals and patients claim medical marijuana provides some sort of medical benefits. Although it has been a contentious battle between the states and federal governments to legalize or not medical marijuana nationwide, there are three important points to take under consideration; first, marijuana is a potent analgesic in patients with chronic pain. Second, it is a strong anti-emetic for patients receiving cancer chemotherapy treatment. Third and most important, medical marijuana should be legal, so patients do not have to break the law to receive treatment. Across the nation state organizations...

Words: 2050 - Pages: 9

Free Essay

Has Prevention Gone Too Far?

...Has Prevention Gone Too Far? Nobody enjoys being sick. That fear of bad health drives people to do whatever they can to prevent a disease or spread of infection. However, how necessary are all of the preventative measures we take to stay healthy? Should medical personnel and patients being treated make an effort to cut down on the number of medical screenings? Would such an act lead to a more effective health care system or are these numerous screenings essential to saving lives? Considering that I hope to be a physician assistant in the future, I felt that this issue was something I should investigate since one day, I will be the one ordering tests for patients. In order to determine which route is the correct one to take, I read two opposing articles discussing the topic. In his article, “PSA Testing Controversy Reignites ‘Over-Screening’ Debate,” published on PBS.org, journalist Jason Kane begins with a story about Denham Kelsey, a man who would never had known he was developing prostate cancer if it was not for his routine screenings. When the U.S Preventive Services Task Force released news that it was no longer going to require regular PSA Testing (prostate-specific antigen test), a heated battle reignited. Kane claims that people would not get the routine tests if they are not considered necessary or are not covered by insurance. He argues that preventative measures like PSA screenings do help prevent some diseases because early diagnosis is key. In H. Gilbert Welch’s...

Words: 1385 - Pages: 6