MODERN MEDICINE.

Contemporary medicine is emerging as a powerful combination of science and technology. For the first time in history truly effective agents are available for the treatment of disease. Sophisticated life-sustaining technologies, organ transplants, and the biotechnology revolution further raise the expectations of the public. But beyond the dazzling achievements, the fact of medical uncertainty is not part of the general consciousness, and the use of medical technology far surpasses the boundaries of medical knowledge. A large proportion of health care procedures have not been properly evaluated; they may be useless or harmful, and there is evidence of much overtreatment. To resolve these issues, there must be a radically more open attitude toward medical uncertainty. In addition to continued basic research, a national program of medical technology assessment is urgently needed. And for best utilization of its enormous potential, modern medicine must be seen in proper cultural context; to achieve this is a special challenge facing education.