ITB Studium Generale: 'How Do Doctors Think and Work as Technology Develops?’
Bandung, itb.ac.id — Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) continued its Studium Generale lecture series with the theme "How Do Doctors Think and Work as Technology Develops?" The lecture, held at the West Hall of ITB Ganesha Campus on November 8, 2023, featured Dr. Gunawan, Sp. PD., FINASIM, an internal diseases expert from Medistra Hospital in Jakarta.
Dr. Gunawan began by tracing the evolution of medical science from ancient to modern times, highlighting the shift from relying on human senses for diagnoses to the current dependence on technology. He provided insights into the journey of a medical student, emphasizing the integrated nature of modern medical education and the increased focus on community services.
Throughout the lecture, Dr. Gunawan stressed the ethical and humanitarian aspects of medical practices. He emphasized the importance of effective communication, empathy, and the ability to prioritize patient concerns while maintaining objectivity.
"How do doctors think and work? We are taught to always open our eyes and ears first. So, we are directed to spend more time with our patients, allowing them to fully describe their problems. Doctors should be capable of positioning themselves as their patients. But they should not be emotional either, so they have to think clearly and objectively at all times," explained Dr. Gunawan.
Dr. Gunawan delved into technological advancements in medical diagnoses and therapies, citing examples like CT scans, MRIs, and PCR. He warned about challenges and ethical considerations, such as antibiotic resistance, vaccine distribution, and genetic therapy development. He stressed the need to use technology wisely and ethically.
"Being a doctor in this day and age is very challenging and difficult. We have to work together, both with the medical world and technology as well. However, the ethical and humanitarian aspects should still be considered. We ought to be careful with antibiotics; their use has to be for rational reasons. We also have to promote vaccination in our families, as it is very important for all of us," stated Dr. Gunawan.
The lecture provided a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of medical science and the impact of technological developments. It encouraged students to consider ethical and humanitarian aspects while continuing to develop technology, particularly in the medical field, for the betterment of human health.
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