Every day, medical innovations lengthen and improve lives around the world. These advancements, which are often highlighted in the media, can be a real game-changer for people living with health issues.
In this article, UMHS looks back at some of the biggest medical breakthroughs in history that have changed the face of medicine, extending and improving life for countless patients.
1846 – First use of anesthesia (ether) during surgery. This helped surgeons perform surgeries without pain.
1860s – Louis Pasteur proved that germs cause disease, building on the work of bacteriologist Agostino Bassi. This revolutionized the way scientists and doctors thought about disease, allowing them to develop sanitation and antiseptic techniques. Infections that had once killed thousands, such as tuberculosis, rabies and typhoid fever, were brought under control thanks to germ theory.
1945 – The first antibiotic, penicillin, is synthesized by American biochemist Sir Alexander Fleming. This revolutionized the treatment of infections and has saved millions of lives worldwide.
1955 – The first heart pacemaker developed by American Dr. Paul Zoll. This device helps stabilize irregular heartbeats and extends survival in people with heart failure.
1960s – Vaccinations against chicken pox, smallpox and hepatitis B are developed. These vaccines greatly reduce deaths and disability from these diseases.
Today, the advancements in genomics and artificial intelligence are poised to make healthcare even more revolutionary than ever before. UMHS is at the forefront of these new technologies, and we will continue to lead the way in developing innovative therapies and treatments that will save lives and improve quality of life. When you hear about a new medical breakthrough, take the time to research the evidence and evaluate the source to ensure it is legitimate. This will help you choose advances that will truly benefit your patient.
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