Why Science Matters - Introduction

Science is a critical part of all health and medicine blogs. So, given that I am writing a blog about the health and medical care of children, I would be remiss if I did not explain why science is important in pediatrics. The connection may seem obvious, but it is essential to discuss this in more detail because of its impact on how pediatrics is practiced and why various medical decisions are made. As a foundation to discussing this topic, one needs to have a few definitions in mind.

First, what is science? Science is the intellectual and practical activity encompassing the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment. So, one not only observes, but experiments to prove or disprove various assumptions to get to the truth. Science behaves in a specific way with specific rules and we, as humans, have to figure it all out. We cannot bend science to our beliefs. Science just is what it is and we are subject to its rules.

Next, what is health science? Health science or the health sciences, as it is termed, is the study of all aspects of health, disease, and healthcare. This field of study aims to develop knowledge, interventions and technology for use in healthcare to improve the treatment of patients as individuals or groups of individuals. The health sciences encompass medications or and treatments of disease, patterns and physiology of disease and risk factors, measures to prevent disease, population health and health policies, and many more areas having to do with the health and welfare of the mind and body.

While it is one thing to tell you why science matters, it is often more effective to show you why science matters…

• When someone is in the intensive care unit and placed on a mechanical ventilator for acute respiratory distress syndrome, what is the optimal amount of air to push into the lungs to prevent further damage to the lungs?

• You see a child with croup. Which type of steroid do you use to treat the symptoms? How much do you give?

• Knowing health risk factors enables the medical community to manage patients to prevent more severe disease. When you are managing a child with asthma, what are some factors that put a child at risk for an intensive care unit admission?

The field of science answers questions and creates new ones. As we learn more, we understand what questions to ask. As we understand what questions to ask, we learn more. It is a circle of learning and we see our physical and natural world more clearly. With regard to the health sciences, these questions and answers have allowed us to make advances in healthcare to not only extend the length of our lives, but also to improve the quality of our lives. Ultimately, this is why science matters and why it is important to understand why it is a central precept of any health and medicine blog, especially one that concerns the health and welfare of children.