Fundamentals of Medicine

• Medicine integrates the science and practical applications of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases.
• A range of healthcare practices are used, evolving to maintain and restore health through the prevention and treatment of illness.
• Modern medicine utilizes biomedical sciences, biomedical research, genetics, and medical technology.
• Modern medicine's goal is to diagnose, treat, and prevent injuries and diseases, often using pharmaceuticals or surgery.
• Focus involves physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Core Disciplines

• Anatomy examines the physical structures of organisms.
• Biochemistry studies chemical processes within and relating to living organisms.
• Physiology explores the normal mechanical, physical, and biochemical functions of living organisms.
• Pathology focuses on the causes and effects of disease or injury.
• Pharmacology studies the uses and effects of drugs.
• Microbiology studies microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

Medical Specialties

• Anesthesiology provides pain relief and comprehensive care for surgical patients, before, during, and after surgery.
• Cardiology focuses on disorders of the heart and blood vessels.
• Dermatology addresses conditions of the skin, hair, and nails.
• Endocrinology specializes in disorders of the endocrine system, like diabetes and thyroid disorders.
• Gastroenterology is concerned with the digestive system and its disorders.
• Hematology studies blood and blood disorders.
• Infectious Disease specializes in diagnosing and treating infections.
• Nephrology manages kidney diseases.
• Neurology addresses disorders of the nervous system.
• Obstetrics and Gynecology specializes in women's health, pregnancy, and childbirth.
• Oncology studies and treats cancer.
• Ophthalmology addresses eye disorders.
• Orthopedics focuses on the musculoskeletal system.
• Otolaryngology manages disorders of the ear, nose, and throat.
• Pediatrics provides medical care to infants, children, and adolescents.
• Psychiatry studies, diagnoses, and treats mental disorders.
• Pulmonology focuses on diseases of the respiratory system.
• Rheumatology diagnoses and treats rheumatic diseases.
• Urology focuses on the urinary tract and the male reproductive system.

Diagnostic Methods

• Physical Examination involves observation, palpation, percussion, and auscultation to assess a patient's condition.
• Medical History includes gathering information about past illnesses, surgeries, allergies, and family history.
• Laboratory Tests analyze samples like blood, urine, and tissue to identify diseases or conditions.
• Imaging Techniques include:
  • X-rays, which use electromagnetic radiation to create images of internal body structures.
  • Computed Tomography (CT) scans, using X-rays, create cross-sectional images of the body.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of organs and tissues.
  • Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of internal body structures.
• Endoscopy involves inserting a flexible tube with a camera into the body to visualize internal organs.
• Biopsy involves removing a tissue sample for microscopic examination to diagnose diseases.

Treatment Modalities

• Pharmacotherapy uses medications to treat diseases.
• Surgery involves manual or instrumental intervention on a patient to treat injury or disease.
• Radiation Therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
• Physical Therapy uses exercises and rehabilitation programs to improve physical function and mobility.
• Psychotherapy involves talking therapy to treat mental health disorders.
• Interventional Procedures use minimally invasive techniques to diagnose and treat conditions.
• Alternative Medicine includes practices like acupuncture, herbal medicine, and chiropractic care.

Disease Prevention

• Vaccination involves administering vaccines to prevent infectious diseases.
• Screening Programs involve testing individuals for diseases before symptoms appear.
• Lifestyle Modifications include changes in diet, exercise, and smoking habits to prevent chronic diseases.
• Public Health Initiatives involve programs to promote health and prevent disease in communities.
• Education and Awareness involve providing information to the public about health risks and preventive measures.

Clinical Medicine

• Clinical medicine is the direct care of patients.
• Application of medical knowledge and technology to diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases.
• Clinical practice includes medical specialties in both inpatient (hospital) and outpatient (clinic) settings.
• Diagnosis, management, and treatment of diseases and injuries.
• Communication and interpersonal skills are crucial for effective patient care and building trust.
• Ethical principles guide clinical decision-making and patient care.
• Evidence-based medicine uses current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients.

Patient Care

• Patient assessment is the initial evaluation of a patient's condition that includes medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests.
• Differential diagnosis identifies possible diseases or conditions that could explain a patient's symptoms.
• Treatment planning involves developing a care plan based on the patient's diagnosis and goals.
• Patient education provides information to patients about their condition, treatment options, and preventive measures.
• Follow-up care monitors patients after treatment to ensure recovery and address any complications.

Medical Ethics

• Autonomy is a patient's right to make decisions about their healthcare.
• Beneficence is the obligation to act in the patient's best interest.
• Non-maleficence is the obligation to do no harm.
• Justice is the fair and equitable distribution of healthcare resources.
• Confidentiality is the obligation to protect patient privacy.

Medical Research

• Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate the safety and effectiveness of new treatments or interventions.
• Observational studies are research studies that observe and collect data on patients without intervening.
• Translational research translates basic scientific discoveries into clinical applications.
• Medical statistics analyze and interpret data from medical research studies.
• Evidence-based medicine uses the best available evidence to guide clinical decision-making.

Medical Technology

• Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are digital records of patient health information.
• Medical Devices are instruments, apparatus, or implants used in the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of disease.
• Telemedicine uses technology to provide healthcare services remotely.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) improves diagnosis, treatment, and patient care.
• Robotics are used in surgery and rehabilitation.