Clinical Social Science

In the three and a half decades since the Second World War, there have been remarkable gains in the effectiveness of preventive and therapeutic measures in medicine, the new capabilities are a continuing source of wonder and gratification.

Abstract

In the three and a half decades since the Second World War, there have been remarkable gains in the effectiveness of preventive and therapeutic measures in medicine. To mention but a few examples of the former: vaccines which can prevent poliomyelitis, rubella and measles; Rho (D) immune human globulin administered to Rh negative mothers at the birth of an Rh positive infant to prevent sensitization of the mother and hemolytic disease in subsequent children; screening measures leading to appropriate management to minimize the consequences of inherited metabolic disorders; and prenatal diagnosis to assure a normal birth. As examples of the latter, consider only: antibiotic treatment of infectious diseases; diuretics and alpha blockers to control hypertension; open heart surgery to correct valvular defects; total hip replacement; chemotherapy for childhood leukemias; drugs capable of aborting acute psychotic episodes and of minimizing their recurrence. To a medical graduate of the mid-1940's who has seen these changes during his own professional lifetime, the new capabilities are a continuing source of wonder and gratification.KeywordsIndigenous HealerSick RoleAmerican MedicineInherited Metabolic DisorderAcute Psychotic EpisodeThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.