¶ … Clinical vs. Academic Study in Medicine
One of the most fascinating subjects of today is undoubtedly medicine, and all the science, practice, or theory that comes with it. It is vital for new doctors to become accustomed quickly with surroundings in a hospital, for example, and to know how to treat patients or diagnose them in a matter of minutes; but it is also vital for them to have a base of academic knowledge on which to rely at all times. These two factors, then, can help shape an individual as a physician and render him or her capable or incapable of being successful in the field. This paper will thus speak about why both clinical and academic studies are necessary for a successful medical career, as well as what balance can be struck between the two to ensure optimal learning.
The best illustration of the long-going debate on practice vs. theory is in an Oliver Wendell Holmes quote that states:
"The most essential part of a student's instruction is obtained not in the lecture -- room, but at the bedside."[footnoteRef:1] [1: Please note that this quotation and the questions addressed...
If a reference is truly needed, please find it at: Tournier, P. (2005). Medical Quotations. [Online]. Available: http://www.doctorspage.net/quotes.asp. Accessed: 18 October 2011. Updated 2005.]
According to the author above, clinical study is the best way for a young physician to learn about the profession. The 'bedside' in this quote thus refers to clinical study and 'lecture room' refers to academic study. Though for Holmes, practice is above theory, practice should not be all a student undergoes -- as theoretical study cannot be neglected. Yet there are some elements that can lead one to concur with Holmes, and state that indeed clinical study is the most essential part of medical education. For example, in a study, on the "scale of consciousness," the authors claim that "academic medicine' calibrates at exactly 440, whereas clinical and holistic medicine calibrate at level 445. Thus, by external verification, clinical medicine (such as nutritional/orthomolecular medicine) arises from a higher level of consciousness (the scale is logarithmic; therefore five…
