Summary of Chapter 5: Breakthroughs in Medicine - Essay Example

Summary of chapter 5 Summary of chapter 5 Introduction There have been several societal studies that assess the response of individuals towards the changes in technology. Regardless of the different opinions that exist, the majority of individuals agree that there has been an improvement in wellbeing due to technological advancement. The breakthroughs in technology have led to numerous breakthroughs in medicine by providing different means to treat and evaluate different pathologies. The machines in technology give individuals capabilities that are beyond human means.

In short, technology in the medical world can be defined as the use of procedures and devices with the aim of achieving useful and measurable outcomes for humanity. However, with the advancements in technology there are many questions that surface which include the debate whether the industry can function solely on machinery and the future role of physicians in this world. Body In the United States, there has been more progress in medicine in the past decades than any other time in history. This factor can be attributed to technological developments such as heart, lung and kidney machines as well as equipment that enable complex procedures such as microsurgery, coronary bypass surgery, organ transplants, angioplasty and many others.

New diagnostic procedures enable the detailed visualization of internal structures. Examples of such methods include Computerized Axial Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Doppler ultrasonography. In fact, technology has made contributions to all forms of diagnostics which include laboratory assessment and functional diagnostic methods. Technology has also contributed to the development of other scientific fields such as genetic engineering. This feature has brought humanity closer to the treatment of much pathology that lead to tissue and organ damage.

Stem cell research currently underway is making advancements towards externally creating different organs. All these factors will contribute to the longevity of human life. In the year 2050, individuals above the age of 65 years are expected to reach seventy million, and those above 85 years will be twenty one million. Data from 2010 illustrates that the number of 65 year olds and above was thirty five million whilst those above eighty five were approximately four million. Technology has also changed the image of physicians as doctors have to constantly keep themselves updated with new findings.

Technology has been implemented by hospitals to improve the quality of healthcare through better equipment. However, many organizations state that there is a problem of underuse of advanced technologies due to financial barriers in small institutions. There have been approaches to help the individuals afford the new medical procedures through the creation of different payment plans. Health insurance premiums are private and government means that provide steps for elimination of excessive and unnecessary utilization of technology.

Conclusion In summation, there have been new discoveries in medicine with the help of new technologies. Individuals today benefit from many scientific developments which range from minimally invasive procedures to IVF, which enables some couples to have children. There is a dilemma in the costs that seem to be increase and the government attempts to neutralize this factor through different health care policies.ReferencesMarkert, L. R. (2009). Contemporary technology innovations issues and perspectives 5thedition.

Goodheart-Willcox.