Doctors: is there any scope for innovation in modern medicine?

Sure there is scope for innovation. Look at all the advances in diagnostic imaging in the past 35 years; ultrasound, CT scans, MRI, Pet scans, etc. Microsurgery, robotic surgery, advanced diagnostic techniques for microbiology, lasers, Botox, improved vaccines, etc.

But there is an inherent tendency to hesitate before changing. Remember the post-Renaissance docs who challenged the tenets of Hippocrates or Galen? They scoffed at Semmelweis, laughed at Pasteur, and in modern times even doubted Marshall and Warren when they said ulcers were caused by bacteria. More than two decades later they were awarded the Nobel Prize.

The standard way for innovation to be accepted is for the scientist to publish his work in a peer reviewed journal. Criticism inevitably arises, and further investigation determines if it is valid or not. Pseudo scientists advertise their wares, claiming that they have been ostracized by the medical establishment, hiding the fact that their claims have not gone through the proper review process. Rarely they are right, more often they are humbugs.

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The following organizations are good resources for information on cystic fibrosis:

* Cystic Fibrosis Foundation - www.cff.org

* March of Dimes - www.marchofdimes.com