4. 20th/21st Century: Modern Medicine

Question 1

Who discovered penicillin and how did it come about?

Answer 1

Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin in 1928. He noticed that a mold (Penicillium notatum) killed bacteria in a petri dish, leading to the development of the first antibiotic.

Question 2

What role did Florey and Chain play in the development of penicillin?

Answer 2

Howard Florey and Sir Norman Heatley (Chain was part of the team) developed a method to mass-produce penicillin during World War II, which made it widely available for use in treating infections.

Question 3

What was the impact of penicillin during World War II?

Answer 3

Penicillin saved countless lives during WWII by treating bacterial infections, reducing deaths from wounds and preventing infections that were once fatal.

Question 4

What are antibiotics and how do they work?

Answer 4

Antibiotics are medicines used to treat bacterial infections by either killing bacteria or inhibiting their growth. They work by targeting specific parts of bacterial cells without harming human cells.

Question 5

What is antibiotic resistance, and why is it a growing concern?

Answer 5

Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria evolve to become resistant to the effects of antibiotics, often due to overuse or misuse. It makes infections harder to treat and threatens modern medicine.

Question 6

What are some alternative medicines used alongside or instead of conventional treatments?

Answer 6

Alternative medicines include acupuncture, homeopathy, herbal remedies, and osteopathy. Some people use them to complement or replace traditional treatments, though their efficacy can vary.

Question 7

How did World War I impact surgery?

Answer 7

World War I led to advancements in surgery, such as the development of better methods for dealing with wounds, the use of antiseptics, and the introduction of new techniques like plastic surgery for facial injuries.

Question 8

How did World War II contribute to developments in surgery?

Answer 8

World War II saw the use of blood transfusions on a large scale, the development of techniques for treating shock and injuries, and the improvement of surgical methods, such as better use of anesthesia.

Question 9

What is the importance of blood transfusions in modern medicine?

Answer 9

Blood transfusions save lives by replacing lost blood, often in surgery, accidents, or for people with conditions like anemia. They became more common after World War I and II.

Question 10

How did the discovery of X-rays improve medical diagnosis?

Answer 10

X-rays, discovered by Wilhelm Roentgen in 1895, allow doctors to see inside the body without surgery, revolutionizing diagnosis and treatment of bone fractures and internal conditions.

Question 11

What impact has technology had on surgery in the 21st century?

Answer 11

Modern technologies such as lasers, radiation, keyhole surgery, and robotic surgery have greatly improved precision, reduced recovery times, and allowed for less invasive procedures.

Question 12

What is keyhole surgery, and what are its advantages?

Answer 12

Keyhole surgery (laparoscopic surgery) is a minimally invasive procedure where small incisions are made, and a camera and surgical instruments are inserted. It reduces recovery time and scarring.

Question 13

How has laser surgery revolutionized medical procedures?

Answer 13

Laser surgery uses focused light to remove or reshape tissue. It is precise, reduces bleeding, and has a faster recovery time compared to traditional surgery.

Question 14

What are the key ethical concerns regarding organ transplants?

Answer 14

Ethical concerns include the fairness of organ allocation, the risk of organ trafficking, and whether people should be required to donate organs after death.

Question 15

How did the Boer War influence public health in Britain?

Answer 15

The Boer War (1899-1902) highlighted the poor health of recruits and the high death rates due to malnutrition and disease. It led to public concern and eventually contributed to the rise of social reforms

Question 16

Who were Booth and Rowntree, and how did their work influence public health?

Answer 16

Charles Booth and Seebohm Rowntree were social reformers who conducted studies on poverty. Booth mapped poverty in London, and Rowntree’s research in York demonstrated the extent of poverty, leading to social reforms and the understanding of poverty as a cause of ill health.

Question 17

What were the Liberal Reforms, and how did they improve public health?

Answer 17

The Liberal Reforms (1906–1914) were a series of laws introduced to address poverty and improve public health. These included the introduction of free school meals, health insurance, and pensions for the elderly.

Question 18

How did World War I affect public health in Britain?

Answer 18

WWI led to greater government involvement in public health. The war effort highlighted the need for better health and nutrition for soldiers, leading to the development of the welfare state.

Question 19

How did World War II influence public health in Britain?

Answer 19

WWII led to further public health reforms, such as the creation of the NHS. The war also highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy workforce for national survival.

Question 20

What was the Beveridge Report, and why was it significant?

Answer 20

The Beveridge Report (1942) outlined the need for a welfare state in Britain, including social insurance and health care for all. It was influential in the establishment of the NHS.

Question 21

What is the Welfare State, and how did it change health care?

Answer 21

The Welfare State is a system where the government provides basic needs, including health care, education, and social security. It dramatically improved public health by ensuring that health care was available to all citizens.

Question 22

What was the creation of the NHS, and what impact did it have on public health?

Answer 22

The NHS (National Health Service) was established in 1948, providing free health care at the point of use. It made medical care accessible to all, regardless of income, and significantly improved health outcomes.

Question 23

What opposition was there to the creation of the NHS?

Answer 23

Some doctors and politicians opposed the NHS, fearing loss of income and control over their practices. However, the NHS was introduced by the Labour government under Clement Attlee.

Question 24

What are the main health care challenges of the 21st century?

Answer 24

Key challenges include the rising cost of health care, an aging population, increasing demand for medical treatments, and managing chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

Question 25

How do modern-day lifestyles contribute to health problems?

Answer 25

Sedentary lifestyles, poor diet, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption contribute to health issues such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.

Question 26

What actions has the government taken to address modern health issues?

Answer 26

The government has introduced health campaigns, regulations on smoking, sugar taxes, and increased funding for health services to address issues like obesity and smoking.

Question 27

What is the role of the pharmaceutical industry in modern medicine?

Answer 27

The pharmaceutical industry develops, manufactures, and distributes medications. It plays a critical role in producing vaccines, antibiotics, and treatments for chronic conditions.

Question 28

What is the significance of the development of vaccines in modern medicine?

Answer 28

Vaccines have been instrumental in eradicating or controlling deadly diseases such as smallpox, polio, and measles, greatly improving global public health.

Question 29

What is the current debate around alternative medicines?

Answer 29

The debate centers on the effectiveness and safety of alternative treatments. While some people report benefits, there is concern that they may lack scientific evidence or can be harmful if used in place of proven treatments.

Question 30

What are the challenges faced by the NHS today?

Answer 30

The NHS faces challenges such as increasing demand due to an aging population, staffing shortages, underfunding, and the pressure of treating long-term conditions.

Question 31

What is personalized medicine, and how is it shaping the future of healthcare?

Answer 31

Personalized medicine tailors treatment to individual genetic profiles. It offers the potential for more effective treatments with fewer side effects, especially for conditions like cancer.

Question 32

How has the use of artificial intelligence (AI) affected modern medicine?

Answer 32

AI is being used in diagnostics, drug discovery, robotic surgeries, and personalized treatment plans, improving efficiency and accuracy in medicine.

Question 33

How has public health policy been influenced by research into social determinants of health?

Answer 33

Research has shown that social factors, such as poverty and education, significantly affect health. This has led to policies targeting the root causes of health inequalities, such as better housing and education.

Question 34

What is the impact of smoking on public health, and how has it been addressed?

Answer 34

Smoking causes lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory conditions. Policies like smoking bans, health warnings, and public education campaigns have reduced smoking rates.

Question 35

How has the treatment of mental health changed in modern medicine?

Answer 35

Mental health treatment has improved through the development of medications, better understanding of psychological therapies, and reduced stigma. However, challenges remain in access to care.

Question 36

What are the global health challenges in the 21st century?

Answer 36

Global health challenges include pandemics like COVID-19, antibiotic resistance, mental health issues, and the need for sustainable healthcare systems in developing countries.