Day 5: Modern medicine
by Chris Smith
Thankfully, gone are the days when a surgeon gave a patient a bullet to bite on to distract from the pain during surgery without anesthesia. Through research and innovation, medical advancement has grown by leaps and bounds to today’s modern medicine. From revolutionary mRNA vaccines to groundbreaking interventions and the efforts to recognize race-based health disparities, the landscape of healthcare is constantly evolving.
mRNA Vaccines
Vaccines have been around since the smallpox vaccine was created in 1796 with inoculation practices starting several hundreds of years prior. A traditional vaccine containing weakened bacteria or virus is introduced to the body to elicit an immune response to fight the foreign invader. In the fight against the global pandemic of COVID-19, the rapid development rollout of mRNA vaccines has been instrumental in shaping the future of vaccines.
mRNA vaccines work by introducing a small piece of genetic material to help the body produce proteins to trigger an immune response. The vaccine does not contain the virus but rather a viral protein. The body recognizes the foreign protein and produces antibodies that help fight the infection. The mRNA vaccine technology innovation offers adaptability to new variants and has the potential to treat other diseases making it a true marvel of modern medicine.
New Interventions
Beyond vaccines, new frontiers in modern medicine are being explored to help fight diseases and improve health. Regenerative medicine, for example, uses a variety of different methods such as cell therapy, tissue engineering, and gene therapy, to find ways to restore, regenerate, or replace damaged tissues and organs. Developing tissue engineering looks to replace damaged or diseased organs using 3D printing for the liver, pancreas, and heart.
Another promising field is immunotherapy which uses the body’s immune system to combat cancer. Traditional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation can have harmful side effects. By stimulating the body’s immune response, immunotherapy targets and destroys cancer cells. From checkpoint inhibitors to CAR-T cell therapy, immunotherapy is offering new hope for cancer patients by providing more targeted and effective treatments with fewer adverse effects.
Recognition of Race-based Health Disparities
Despite the progress in modern medicine, disparities in healthcare access and outcomes continue, especially among marginalized communities. From higher rates of chronic illnesses to shorter life expectancies, systemic racism, and inequality continue to impact health outcomes.
Recognizing and tackling race-based health disparities requires a holistic approach that considers the social determinants of health such as education, housing, and economic opportunities. By advocating for policies that address these root causes and promoting health equity, a path is revealed towards a future where everyone, regardless of race or background, has access to quality healthcare.
One thing is clear in navigating the ever-changing landscape of modern medicine–the future of healthcare is bright. From the groundbreaking mRNA vaccines to the 3D printing of organs and efforts to bridge health gaps, there is much to be hopeful about. Here's to a healthier, happier future for everyone!