21st Century Miracle Medicine: Robosurgery, Wondercures and the Quest for Immortality Book

Despite galloping advances in technology, medical expenses rise out of control--and yet mortality rates aren't dropping as might be expected, nor is the quality of life fast improving. In 21st Century Miracle Medicine, Alexandra Wyke examines the technologies that promise to change the dynamics of medicine--and, equally important, what systemic changes will be necessary to see them implemented. Wyke makes a compelling case that technologies such as robotic surgeons, telesurgery (operating at a distance, controlling instruments from afar), and the digitization of patient information promise radical long-term reductions in the cost and intrusiveness of medical procedures. These developments will also change the health care profession and particularly the role of its practitioners. Some of Wyke's scenarios--such as the eradication of most infectious diseases by 2050--seem optimistic, but on the whole the book is well researched and sensibly argued.Read More