Newsletter
What role does the science of complexity play in medicine?

The Podcast by KevinMD

What role does the science of complexity play in medicine?

"The science of complexity lays a conceptual foundation for understanding “complex adaptive systems.” What all complex adaptive systems have in common is that they are all bound by the same…
April 30, 2021

What role does the science of complexity play in medicine?

“The science of complexity lays a conceptual foundation for understanding “complex adaptive systems.” What all complex adaptive systems have in common is that they are all bound by the same set of physical laws. Their “behavior,” i.e., growth, maintenance, and death, can all be described using the same set of mathematical relationships. These systems (animals, plants, ecosystems, etc.) are the most productive and functionally effective systems known to man.

Unfortunately, our health care system has not been bound by the same physical laws and mathematical relationships as other complex adaptive systems. Thus, it has not been able to implement the same mechanisms that our ecosystems and cells have in order to obtain optimization in their ability to perform a function. This is most blatantly highlighted by the fact that 100,000 to 400,000 (depending on the source) Americans die each year due to medical errors.”

Robert Trent is a graduate student.

He shares his story and discusses his KevinMD article, “What role does the science of complexity play in medicine?” (https://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2019/08/what-role-does-the-science-of-complexity-play-in-medicine.html)

Listen on your favorite player

New to Podcasts? It's easy to get started!

You may also like

The Best Health Podcasts. Delivered to Your Inbox.

Join Our Newsletter

We gratefully acknowledge the many organizations that have generously supported our podcasts and platform.

Network Sponsors and Advertisers

Event and Media Partners

Buffer LinkedIn WhatsApp