Life Sciences and Healthcare
Evolution and tech change
-
XIX century
Birth of modern medical education
In 1893, John Hopkins University in the United States revolutionized medical education by incorporating the concept of specialized residencies.
Advance
Medical specialties
Standardization of medical practice
Impact
XIX century
Advance
Medical specialties
Medical education shifted to hospitals, moving away from private and general practices. Training took place in direct contact with patients and was organized into specialties such as pediatrics or psychiatry.
Impact
Standardization of medical practice
The John Hopkins University system set the precedent for modern medical education, combining theoretical study of basic sciences with a period of specialized practical training in hospitals or clinics (similar to the MIR system in Spain). This encouraged the homogenization and standardization of medical practice, leading to the fragmentation of the medical profession into more specific occupations.
-
1920-1930
Generalization of population immunization
In the early 20th century, many new vaccines (such as polio, hepatitis B, or the MMR vaccine) were discovered, and their distribution was promoted to the entire population.
Advance
Vaccines
Disease as the object of study
Impact
1920-1930
Advance
Vaccines
Biological drugs that help the body generate immunity to infectious diseases. The body is exposed to a small amount of viruses or bacteria, allowing it to learn to detect and destroy them upon subsequent exposure.
Impact
Disease as the object of study
Advances in epidemiology (the study of diseases) resulted in significant time and cost savings for the healthcare system. This also transformed the role of healthcare professionals, who, in addition to caring for sick patients, began focusing on disease prevention and educating the population resistant to medical advancements.
-
1940-1970
The golden age of the pharmaceutical industry
The implementation of public health systems creates a framework that promotes the development, distribution, and mass consumption of medications.
Advance
Pharmacy and biotechnology
Diversification and increase in employment
Impact
1940-1970
Advance
Pharmacy and biotechnology
The evolution of these fields of knowledge provides better methodologies and allows for the systematization of research on new medications. Until then, the process relied more on serendipitous discoveries than on the search for specific treatments.
Impact
Diversification and increase in employment
The expansion of the sector has implications for related occupations. For instance, pharmaceutical companies hire more research personnel; in laboratories, professionals gain access to new techniques and instruments. Additionally, the rise in regulations and necessary controls for the marketing of medications encourages the emergence of specialized figures in these processes.
-
1980-1990
First robot-assisted surgery
The history of robotic surgery begins in 1985 with the PUMA 560, a robotic arm designed for performing highly precise brain biopsies.
Advance
Robotic surgery
Replacing the scalpel with the console
Impact
1980-1990
Advance
Robotic surgery
Robotic surgery is less invasive than traditional surgery, leading to quicker and less painful patient recovery. Another advantage is that robots are more precise and flexible, allowing for remote operations.
Impact
Replacing the scalpel with the console
Increasingly, doctors must learn to incorporate new tools and devices into their practice to improve patient care. For example, the introduction of robots requires specific training for surgeons who, instead of using a scalpel with their hands, direct the robot through a console.
-
1990-2000
Digital transformation reaches hospitals
The transition from paper to digital medical documentation has freed up significant storage space and facilitated the transport and management of files.
Advance
Electronic health record
Digital training for healthcare personnel
Impact
1990-2000
Advance
Electronic health record
Is the updated digital record of all data and documents related to a patient’s health and healthcare services. Access to it is essential to ensure adequate medical care.
Impact
Digital training for healthcare personnel
The electronic health record is easy to access, manage, and update, allowing for seamless information sharing between healthcare centers. However, its implementation requires an adaptation period as doctors, nurses, and administrative staff in hospitals need to learn to work with new cloud-based medical software.
-
2010-2020
Advocacy for humanism in the doctor-patient relationship
The saturation of public health shortens visit times and places a burden on healthcare personnel, affecting their mental health and connection with patients.
Advance
Artificial intelligence
Technology and emotional education
Impact
2010-2020
Advance
Artificial intelligence
AI can be incorporated into medical practice to free up healthcare professionals time spent on tasks that can be automated, such as processing databases or providing support in the diagnosis and treatment phases.
Impact
Technology and emotional education
Good healthcare is not solely based on having cutting-edge technologies. The quality of the doctor-patient relationship is essential for both the patient’s health and the professional’s sense of self-fulfillment. To promote holistic care, considering the physical and mental health of patients, emotional training for healthcare personnel is emphasized.
-
2020 – Future
Advancing towards personalized medicine
The study of DNA aims to understand how genetics influences the health-disease process, with the goal of improving prevention and creating treatments tailored to each patient.
Advance
Genomics
Prevention and treatment according to DNA
Impact
2020 – Future
Advance
Genomics
Is a field of biology dedicated to studying the DNA, or genome, of an organism. Its application in medicine can help identify mutations or variations in DNA associated with a higher risk of certain diseases.
Impact
Prevention and treatment according to DNA
Medical practice will evolve to harness the full potential of genomics in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Understanding genetic predisposition will facilitate early or even presymptomatic diagnosis of common conditions such as diabetes, asthma, or cancer, and will enable the identification of the most effective treatments for a particular patient.