Whither to ?

Abstract

Over the last three decades, I have witnessed bewildering progress in medical science. While some diseases have been eradicated, others have cropped up, or remained as they have for ages. Scientific discoveries, innovations and genomic medicine have transformed the way we approach a patient. From the moment a patient enters a hospital  he is subjected to a spectrum of technological studies including scopies, to peer within the human body, to visualise nature’s beauty, hitherto hidden to the naked eye. In spite of all these advancements the patient is very often left in despair and confusion. He craves for the personal touch and a heart to heart talk with his doctor. Modern day medicine with all its glorious superlatives has left a wrinkle in our confidence. A fundamental question remains unanswered. Is medicine an art or a science?