If there’s one field that’s impacting human lives today, it’s medicine. It may or may not be an area of interest to you, but if it is, here’s a helpful outline of the field and what it entails.
We look at how medicine has improved our lives for the better, and understand the impact of studying medical science.
Table of contents:
Medical Science is the scientific study of living organisms and learning how to diagnose issues, create care plans to cure issues, identify treatments to alleviate said issues, and curate healthy living practices to help others avoid/cure injuries, illnesses, and diseases.
In short, medical science can help maintain and restore health through various scientific methods. Medicine has been practiced for thousands of years, although in the old days it had philosophical and religious undertones rather than scientific ones. Most of these practices were unscientific and more often than not, did not help to cure diseases completely.
Modern medical science tries to answer questions like why, what, which and how. Therefore, it can be said that modern interventions are well-informed compared to the older systems.
The pandemic has shown us how important medical science is to the world. If it wasn’t for quality healthcare and professionals, humanity would have suffered all the more.
It is one of the highest-paid, and most secure jobs in the world today (for good reason). Those opting for medicine also get to work anywhere in the world, with relevant experience of course, since healthcare professionals are needed everywhere.
One also gets to help others by treating illnesses and diseases. So, this profession is more of a “service” towards mankind rather than a mere occupation. Also, when are doctors ever out of demand? Moreover, if you are interested in careers related to medical research, laboratory pathology, or biochemistry, studying medicine will help a great deal.
To understand why medicine has been pivotal in the advancement of mankind, a couple of examples detailing how the field greatly improved our lives. Let us take a look at some of the most popular developments in the field of medicine of late.
The branches of medical science:
- Xenotransplantation – We must have all heard about the latest breakthrough where a genetically altered pig’s kidney was attached to a human receiver. Xenotransplantation is not a new concept and has been performed earlier as well. The procedure, however, can help critically injured persons who are in need of transplants. Basically, this technology points to an unlimited supply of cells and organs, if used viably.
- Studying the possibility of immortality – This has been a concept that has intrigued mankind for many centuries. In fact, this has been an obsession for many that led them to drink gold, inject young blood into old people, and many other vile practices. But of late, this has seen some advancement with more and more scientists and organizations working towards achieving immortality across different levels. Advancements in medicine over the centuries have increased the lifespans With the concept of immortality having been modified to mean a longer-lasting body, this may become a reality sooner than we expect.
- Stem cell research – This is one of the most important breakthroughs in the field of medicine. It is an area of research that deals with stem cells and their concurrent use in medical treatment. It can also help us to understand how diseases work, at a cellular level, thereby having the potential to cure most illnesses and diseases with minimal interventions.
These are only a few examples of how medical science and related research have improved our lives. Medical science is undoubtedly the single most important field of study that helps humankind to progress. Understanding what specialty one needs to study according to their interests will help in the long run.
Studying medical science opens up a lot of opportunities. People have the option to choose from a variety of specialties in the field of medicine. Some of the most popular specialties in medicine are discussed below.
- Neurosurgery – Neurosurgery is one of the most complex specialties in medical science and only a person with a lot of expertise and knowledge can become a successful neurosurgeon. It deals with the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses, diseases, and injuries related to the brain. It is also a popular career choice since neurosurgeons are in high demand due to their ability to generate revenue for hospitals and are also one of the highest-paid roles in the field of medicine.
- Hematology/Oncology – Hematology is the branch of medicine that studies blood and its related diseases. An oncologist is someone who is specialized in diagnosing and treating cancer. Oncologists have become more popular in recent times due to the awareness amongst people about cancer and its subsequent ill effects. If timely attention is received, cancer is curable and can mostly be treated without the need for chemotherapies.
- Anesthesiology – It is one of the most important specialties of medical science. The total perioperative care of patients is in the hands of an anesthesiologist. These doctors are responsible for evaluating and monitoring patients before and after medical procedures.
- Pediatrics – This branch of medicine deals with the treatment and medical care of infants, children, and teenagers. As it requires one to handle kids, a pediatrician is someone who needs to have a lot of patience and empathy.
- Invasive Cardiology – Invasive cardiologists are trained to perform invasive or minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat cardiovascular diseases. These are among the most highly-paid specialties in medical science owing to their complexity and the amount of expertise required.
- Gastroenterology – Gastro-related problems are largely overlooked by a lot of people. These issues generally arise due to bad eating habits, lack of exercise, or are sometimes hereditarily transferred. Gastroenterologists are trained to diagnose and treat issues related to the gastrointestinal tract and the liver.
- Orthopedic Surgery – Orthopedic surgeons diagnose, create care plans and treat issues related to the musculoskeletal system. They treat disorders related to the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints.
- Emergency Medicine – This specialty helps to treat those patients who require immediate medical attention for illnesses and injuries. With the number of work-related injuries and road accidents increasing, emergency medical doctors play a vital role in helping to extend or sustain lives at critical stages.
- Dermatology – These specialists treat issues with the skin, hair, and nails. Skincare is more important than we think as regular checkups can detect cancer at early stages and prevent it from becoming incurable.
- Radiology – Radiologists make use of imaging technologies such as CT scans, MRI scans, X-rays, and PET scans to detect, diagnose and treat diseases. The expertise of radiology doctors helps to detect and begin treatment for various diseases and injuries.
All of these specialties require doctors to undergo specific training for many years. Studying from the right universities and institutions ensures that one receives the best training.
The top universities across the world to study medicine have been curated by QS rankings and these have been listed below.
| Serial No. |
University/ Institution |
Country |
| 1 |
Harvard University |
Cambridge, U.S.A |
| 2 |
University of Oxford |
Oxford, U.K |
| 3 |
Stanford University |
Stanford, U.S.A |
| 4 |
University of Cambridge |
Cambridge, U.K |
| 5 |
Johns Hopkins University |
Baltimore, U.S.A |
| 6 |
Karolinska Institutet |
Stockholm, Sweden |
| 7 |
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) |
Los Angeles, U.S.A |
| 8 |
Yale University |
New Haven, U.S.A |
| 9 |
UCL |
London, U.K |
| 10 |
Imperial College London |
London, U.K |
By studying medicine, one gets to choose from a wide variety of opportunities in the field. From hospitals to research facilities, the options to choose from are many. However, those interested in a career in medical science need to possess a lot of focus and the ability to work hard. Although it is a career with potential for exponential growth, it also requires a lot of effort and the mindset to stay dedicated.
Keep checking this space for more information about the courses in medicine that you can take up!
Also find out more about:
