Power of modern technology in health and medicine

January 3, 2016

We live in an unhealthy world. Over the last decade, pathogens and vectors have traveled further and faster with devastating outcomes. Older diseases like malaria and dengue too, have made a shocking come back, and fatalities have been on the rise.

In India alone, the deaths from malaria, dengue, H1N1, and leptospirosis have spiraled beyond control. This is disturbing news when you consider that we live in one of the most technologically-advanced historical periods. Slimmer phones, faster internet connections, and cutting-edge technology are the norm, but have they really impacted the medical field?


Can Modern Technology Help in the Field of Health and Medicine?

Yes, it can. Medical technology is a vast field and it is based on demand and innovation. To satisfy demand, technologists came up with treatments like anti-bleeding gels which instantly sealed a wound and stopped blood loss, and personalized medications that were specifically designed for one particular patient. Both these modalities helped to save the lives of thousands of patients affected with cancer and hemorrhagic diseases.

However, apart from demand and supply, doctors also learned to adapt popular technology to assist in medical treatment. The very first example of this was Google Glass. Google Glass was originally designed to be wearable technology for everyday life. Doctors like Dr Rafael Grossman started using Google Glass to improve patient treatment and to facilitate interactions with doctors all over the world.

Similarly, 3-D printing was originally designed to test machines before they went into active production. Now, 3-D printing is an essential part of medical treatment. In the last two years, almost 95% of hearing aids were printed with 3-D printing technology. Other fields like dentistry also started using 3-D printing to create dental braces. Parent company Align Technology stated that almost 650,000 pairs of Invisalign dental braces had already been printed and were being used by patients worldwide. This is not all. Researchers now think that 3-D printing could be used to print prosthetics, organs, and replacement bones.


Combining Technology with Biology

Modern medicine is also evolving to include new treatment fields like bioelectronic medicine. As the term ‘bioelectronic’ suggests, this field of medical technology combines medicine with electronic devices placed inside the body. Researchers have already come up with advances like computer chips that control in-body drug dispensing systems, human-powered pacemakers that run on the electricity present in the human body, gels that mimic body cells, digestible sensors, and hybrid operating rooms that contain a surgeon along with advanced medical technology for state-of-the-art medical treatments. In fact, the Lakeland Regional Media Center has already set up a hybrid operating room that has saved numerous lives.


The Future is Bright

Medical professionals learned to keep up with the times due to the internet. Fast networks led to doctors connecting with experts from all over the world to solve medical conundrums and to save lives. Now telemedicine through cloud-based communication is the norm in almost every national and international hospital.

In the healthcare industry, the benefits of modern technology cannot be ignored. An innovative new treatment or clinical trial could give seriously ill patients a better chance of fighting off life-threatening disease. It could prolong a patient’s life and improve the quality of their lifestyle as well. Advances in medical technology have allowed diagnosticians to work faster, understand disease better, and treat their patients with better medications.

But it was William James Mayo who said, ‘The aim of medicine is to prevent disease and prolong life. The ideal of medicine is to eliminate the need of a physician completely.’

With the help of modern technology, this dream could very well turn into reality in the near future.

 

 

By Dr Hazel Menezes, BDS, MSc
Dr Hazel Menezes possesses an extraordinary theoretical and practical knowledge in dental surgery with more than 15 years of experience in the field. She loves the variety of work in general practice and has worked in dental hospitals in Mumbai and Mangaluru. She has attended many courses including cross infection and up to date techniques in crowns, fillings and root treatments. Dr Menezes has an interest in root canal therapy but also enjoys the practice of general family dentistry with an emphasis on prevention, general dental health. She is committed to postgraduate education and dental research and strives to ensure that all her patients benefit from the most up to date techniques in dentistry. 'The Power of Modern Technology in Health and Medicine' essay (reproduced here) written by Dr Hazel Menezes, won an award at national-level essay contest at the prestigious Altina Securities PVT Ltd Essay Contest of 2015.
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Comment on this article

  • Norman M. Sebastine, Mangaluru/Mysore

    Sun, Jan 10 2016

    Well done Dr. Hazel. Let your light shine as in the past through your research on Power of modern technology health and medicine. Eager to read more. Keep writing to create more medical awareness to all Daiji readers.

  • Vincent Rodrigues, Promenade Road,Fraze Town,B'lore 560005

    Fri, Jan 08 2016

    Really good knowledge about innovation and technology impact on health and medicines.The article is quite simple to understand and we need more and more information to know about the latest health cure techniques.

  • Arun Danthy, Pernal ,Mlr

    Thu, Jan 07 2016

    Good informative article...found spr to read..enhanced the knowledge...keep writing dear dr

  • Giridhar M. Raju Kumar, Bangalure

    Wed, Jan 06 2016

    ‘bioelectronic’ is a very suggestive reading. as it is said there how medical technology combines medicine with electronic devices placed inside the body.
    Very interesting reading. Best of Luck.

  • R. Lewis, Mangalore/Bahrain

    Wed, Jan 06 2016

    Congratulations Dr. Hazel for having won the national level essay contest...all the best for your future...God bless...

  • Isha kotian, Udipi, India

    Mon, Jan 04 2016

    I have a question. do these whitening toothpastes work?

  • Sanjana Ghoradia, Bandra

    Mon, Jan 04 2016

    Why are root canals so expensive? Why do they take so much time to complete. I require three roto canals and my dentist has asked me to pay rupees 10,000! Really expensive for me but I want to know whether it is worth it?

  • Corine D'sa, Kudla

    Mon, Jan 04 2016

    Good article and I need a little help. My dentist called me five times for my root canal and its still hurting. Is this correct? Or is he doing something wrong?

  • Dr Chintan Dalal, UK/ Mumbai

    Mon, Jan 04 2016

    Hey, Just saw this online. Great work.

  • Dr Robeco Diaz, Canada/Mumbai

    Mon, Jan 04 2016

    I liked your article, Hazel. Didn't know you were a writer as well :) How are you? Good to know you are doing well. Congratulations and keep writing. Whatsapp me when you come down to Mumbai. We can meet up with Supriya, Preeti, and Mohan.

  • Renita Pinto, Surathkal

    Mon, Jan 04 2016

    Hi

    Can you share any tips on how to soothe a baby who has new teeth? My baby is six months and she is getting her first tooth. She has a lot of spit and keeps biting on everything. Any thing I can do without spending money would be best.

    Thanks
    Mrs Pinto.

  • Gabrielle Sanchez, Mexico

    Mon, Jan 04 2016

    Hi

    I will be traveling to Manipal to get gallstone surgery in February. i was also searching for a dentist and I came across your article. You seem to know quite a lot about advanced dentistry. Could you tell me where I can get new dentures in Manipal. Making new dentures is expensive in my home town and I want them done quickly but correctly.

    Looking forward to your reply.
    Mrs Gabrielle Sanchez

  • Dr Amit Sawant, China/Mumbai

    Mon, Jan 04 2016

    Hi Hazel, I liked your article. Great to hear from you after so many days. Get in touch with me ok, we can connect. I will be coming down in February Been so many days since we did our MSc. Give my regards to your family.

  • Gautam shetty, Gurupur

    Mon, Jan 04 2016

    Hello

    You have written well. I have a question. I cannot afford dental care. What can I do to save my teeth?

  • Hetal Bhatti, Canada

    Mon, Jan 04 2016

    Hi

    I read your article. It seems that there have been many advances in medicine since I used to go to the dentist. I want to know what options are there for painless dental treatment.

  • Vijendra Khote, Bhatkal/Australia

    Mon, Jan 04 2016

    Hi

    I read your article and found it interesting. On Daijiworld, I found another article where a politician is offering free dentures. Is that possible in Mangalore? My father requires a denture but he refuses to pay Rs 22,000 for it. If there is a college close by in Mangalore can you recommend it?

  • Bhakti Shah, UK

    Mon, Jan 04 2016

    Your article is good but I see that you are a dentist. Dental treatment is expensive here. What can I do to prevent cavities? Can you share a few tips?

  • S. Martis, Mangalore

    Mon, Jan 04 2016

    Hello

    I read your article. I wanted to know if I can do a repeat root canal on my tooth. Its still paining even after doing a root canal. Can you help me?

    Thank you

  • Jasmine Mathias , Mumbai/Kuwait

    Sun, Jan 03 2016

    Congratulations Dr.Hazel. Good going, keep up the good work.

  • samadkolnad, vitla

    Sun, Jan 03 2016

    First Congratulations for winning....
    very good article..a medical awareness and a reminder for the public health and wakening call too..enjoyed reading...all the best....keep writing more....


  • Parvati, Baindoor

    Sun, Jan 03 2016

    Hello Dr,

    You have a lot of experience. I like your writing as well. Tell me whether I should do teeth cleaning. I have never done it before. People say that it causes spaces in teeth. I dont want my teeth to fall out. What should I do?

  • Dr Hazel Menezes, Mangalore/Mumbai

    Sun, Jan 03 2016

    Yes Google Glass is extremely useful but most doctors now also use smart watches and other wearable medical technology to help their patients. At present, doctors at my hospital are all connected through smart watches that keep them d with whatsapp notes about critical patients and emergency procedures. It can be extremely useful for patients and doctors. We are also use tablets and smartphones to record medical history and whole body/intraoral cameras to record pre/post diagnostic images.

  • Dr Hazel Menezes, Mangalore/Mumbai

    Sun, Jan 03 2016

    Hello Sir, So nice to hear from you. Of course, I missed a few points but I will add them later on. You can definitely contact me through the old email id or free free to email me here at daijiworld.com

  • Dr Hazel Menezes, Mangalore/Mumbai

    Sun, Jan 03 2016

    Of course, German doctors are great but we are just as good :) India has some of the best doctors in the world and keeping up with technology will ensure that we become just as good as international/German doctors. :)

  • Dr Hazel Menezes, Mangalore/Mumbai

    Sun, Jan 03 2016

    Yes, that news is correct but the technology has yet to be tested on humans. Clinical trials or research studies are testing just how feasible the idea is in reality.

  • Sarika, Bangalore

    Sun, Jan 03 2016

    Nice article and now I know I have a dentist in a friend..my teeth are safe.

  • Fr.Vincent D'Souza, Bela - Kasargod

    Sun, Jan 03 2016

    Dr.Hazel Congratulations to you for winning the National level Competition.Your article is very good with latest information of modern technology in health and medicine. Best wishes to you .

  • Dr Hazel Menezes, Mangalore/Mumbai

    Sun, Jan 03 2016

    Hello,

    Good to hear from you. Yes, many dentists do provide invisible braces. However, if you want the Invisalign system, I would recommend that you visit an orthodontist who is certified to work with the braces. These are special braces that are custom fitted to your teeth and are made in a lab via a computerized treatment planning process. You will need help from an experienced and company-trained orthodontist. But not to worry, there are several dentists who offer this service in Mangalore. You can google them or write to me via daijiworld and I will help you find the closest orthodontist.

  • Jonathan, Mumbai

    Sun, Jan 03 2016

    Good article. May be a little more details about invisible braces? I also wanted to know what would be the ideal age for getting braces. I am an adult now aged 23 but my teeth need straightening. Could you advice please?

  • Hilary Tellis, KARKALA/ BAHRAIN

    Sun, Jan 03 2016

    Congratulations Dr.Hazel for winning a National level prize for your wonderful essay. God bless you

  • Praveen A. Fernandes, Gangolli/Israel.

    Sun, Jan 03 2016

    Congratulations dear Dr. Hazel Menezes.. glad to hear about achievement.. really proud of you and your greatest achievement.. you are a proud daughter of your parents.. keep it up.. may god bless you and your beloved family.. 🌺

  • C.G.Sequeira, Mangalore

    Sun, Jan 03 2016

    Congratulations Dr.Hazel for winning a National level prize for your wonderful essay.Keep it up.Good luck!

  • Shekhar Moily Padubettu, Udipi, India

    Sun, Jan 03 2016

    I am happy to see that you won a prize. Keep up the good work.

  • Dr. Saaied M. Sheikh, Bunder/M'lure

    Sun, Jan 03 2016

    As a young doctor you are an inspiration to many. Thanks to Daijiworld for publishing her article. You should continue with such works.

  • Wellandra Pinto, Mangalore/Germany

    Sun, Jan 03 2016

    German doctors are some of the best doctors in the world. Technology is used by them on a day to day basis to treat patients. Indian doctors are a little behind but I think we can keep up if they work hard at it. Anyway, most of these advances are already being used in US adn UK hospitals. May be its new to India?

  • Mohan S. Alva, Udupi/Bangalure

    Sun, Jan 03 2016

    Dear Dr. Hazel

    Very informative article. Perhaps, you have enlightened many through your research therefore you have won this National Level. Great work. We demand more medi-educational write-up from you.

    Best Regards

    Dr. Mohan S. Alva.

  • Sandra Misquith, Mijar/Hong Kong

    Sun, Jan 03 2016

    Technology is very important nowadays. Nearly everyone uses Whatsapp and Facebook. Being connected for a doctor is very important. You have raised very important points

  • Valisha dsouza, kotekopla karkala

    Sun, Jan 03 2016

    Congratulations Hazel..Nice article..Wishing you all success ..

  • Sanjay Shetty, Vamanjoor

    Sun, Jan 03 2016

    Hi

    I like what you've written. Its good that you got an award for it. Congrats.

  • Gibson Dsouza , Mangalore

    Sun, Jan 03 2016

    Congratulations Dr.Hazel. Great Article. Wishing you good luck and more success in this year.

  • Dr John Chang, US/Mumbai

    Sun, Jan 03 2016

    Was searching for your email id and then came across this article. Great work but you forgot to list many more advances like cosmetic dentistry, lasers in dentistry, CAD/CAM technology, HealOzone, Diagnodent, Zoom Whitening, and newer porcelains used in crows and bridges. May be another article on these innovations. Readers have to be kept Updated, right?

  • Jyothi , Karkala

    Sun, Jan 03 2016

    Our dentist uses lasers to lighten the color of teeth and a mouth camera to take photos inside the mouth. He does charge a little more but the work is really good. I dont think invisible braces have come to Mangalore yet. But you did write about several great ideas.

  • Lavender Dsouza, UK

    Sun, Jan 03 2016

    I agree with you Google Glass is one of the biggest innovations that can be used in medicine. I work in a UK hospital where the surgeon now uses Google Glass to transmit live surgery images to his colleagues. I cannot tell you how many complications this invention has saved. With so many specialists online watching the surgery, it is impossible for the surgeon to go wrong and the patient is guaranteed care from a range of watching doctors. Good thing you wrote about it. Doctors should use such technology in their day to day work. It saves lives.

  • John Carvalho, UK

    Sun, Jan 03 2016

    The very thought of going to a dentist is scary for me. I read somewhere that you can now transplant dental buds to grow teeth. Is that possible? Anyway your article was an eye-opener. Where do you work?

  • Sheetal, Puttur

    Sun, Jan 03 2016

    I just had braces put in. I didnt know you can get invisible braces. Can you tell me anyone in Mangalore who does this kind of braces? It would be a great help.

  • Dr Monali Vishwas, Vashi

    Sun, Jan 03 2016

    You've written a nice article. Good work.

  • Patricia Meggs, Karkala/US

    Sun, Jan 03 2016

    Hey, I just saw this. Good job Hazel. When are you coming down to Atlanta? Lets meet up and chat.

  • HENRY MISQUITH, Bahrain

    Sun, Jan 03 2016

    Congrats Dr. Hazel.

    Nice Article, we are proud of you.

    Keep up the good work.

    All the best.

  • Dr Abraham Isaac , Mumbai

    Sun, Jan 03 2016

    Thank you Dr Hazel for a very informative article. Yes it is very important for all doctors to keep themselves d with the recent developments in their respective specialities to give proper guidance & advice to their patients to prevent & protect themselves & their family members.

  • Ahmed Mohammed Ali /QTPC, Qatar

    Sun, Jan 03 2016

    Congratulations Dr. Hazel for having won the national-level essay contest, Great article.

  • Monica Valdar , Loretto-Dubai

    Sun, Jan 03 2016

    Congrataultions to your Niece dear Antony Connie. Winning a National Level competition speaks a lot! So, the talent runs in blood huh :-)Great!

  • Deepali Nadkar, Kalyan

    Sun, Jan 03 2016

    Great article, I like your concept and you write well. Congrats on winning the prize.

  • Shuhaib Nadammal, kasaragod / Qatar

    Sun, Jan 03 2016

    Congratulations Dr. Hazel. I just heard the good news and wow!. Keep up the good work! God bless!.

  • Jane Gold, Bendoor/UK

    Sun, Jan 03 2016

    Congratulations Dr Hazel, Great Article.

  • Wilfred Alva, Bahrain.

    Sun, Jan 03 2016

    Congratulations Dr. Hazel.

  • Robby, Shirva

    Sun, Jan 03 2016

    Great to know you've won a prize for your hard work. You may not remember me but you worked on me when I visited Vinaya Hospital in Mangalore. I was in the Rheumatoid Arthritis research trial. Hope you are doing well.

  • John Quadros, Bejai

    Sun, Jan 03 2016

    Doctors need to know the latest treatments available to patients. Even now, there are so many new diseases like SARS, Ebola, and Zika on the horizon that its scary. Hope all doctors are up to date on what is available.

  • Christine, Manglore/ Germany

    Sun, Jan 03 2016

    Hello, Good article.

    Continuing medical education is a must in almost every country in the world. India too, should make it mandatory for all doctors, dentists, and paramedical staff.

  • Dr Harshvardhan Rane, Germany

    Sun, Jan 03 2016

    Hi Hazel,

    How are you? Good to see that you are doing well. This is a great article. Keeping in touch with modern advances in medicine is very important. With so many diseases popping up in the world, it does become critical that doctors know the latest diagnostic procedures and treatments in the world. It could mean the difference between life and death to a patient.

  • Antony Cony D Souza, Karkala / Qatar

    Sun, Jan 03 2016

    Congratulations Dr. Hazel for having won the national-level essay contest written by you ' THE POWER OF MODERN TECHNOLOGY IN HEALTH AND MEDICINE' at the prestigious Altina Securities PVT Ltd Essay Contest of 2015.

    Wishing you good luck and more success in this year too.

  • Sheetal Kadam, Mumbai

    Sun, Jan 03 2016

    Yes, you are right. With so many changes in the world of medicine, we do have to keep ourselves Updated and on point. Continuing education does ensure that we do that. And now, MCI and DCI also ensure that students continue their education after passing out.


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