Evidence-Based Medicine Matters

Daniel Mortlock

Research Associate in Astrophysics

The scientific method has repeatedly proved the most powerful way in which human beings can understand the natural world, and one of its many benefits is the abundant success of evidence-based medicine. Even with the complexities of a human being and mysteries of the placebo effect, most medicine operates at a simpler level: clean a wound and it will not become infected; if it is already infected then antibiotics will kill the harmful bacteria. In both cases the treatment is repeatable and, critically, the mechanism understood. Applying these scientific principles while treating patients with respect and compassion should be at the heart of the healthcare system.