Evidence-Based Medicine Matters

Bob Gerics

The first definition of medicine in my dictionary here at my desk says, “The science of diagnosing, treating or preventing disease or bodily injury.” That is how we should think of “medicine.” If someone is talking about medicine, “evidence-based” should be a given. That means homeopathy and other non-scientific approaches should not be considered medicine. Pursuing non-science based approaches to physical problems and postponing real medical approaches is dangerous as some conditions worsen with delay of proper treatment. Too much time, money, energy and hopes are wasted on unproven approaches. Also, giving credence to the “logic” that is used to support many “alternative medicines” promotes a lack of critical thinking. A capacity for critical thinking (along with compassion) is one of the strongest attributes of our species.