1. As a substance
“Medicine” refers to a substance used to prevent, relieve, or cure illness, often in the form of pills, liquids, drops, or patches. Common examples include cough syrups and pain relievers Encyclopedia BritannicaWikipedia.
2. As a science and practice
Medicine also denotes the field of medical science: the study and application of diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and care to maintain health and combat disease Encyclopedia Britannica+1Wikipedia.
Evolution and Scope of Medicine
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In its broadest view, medicine aims to preserve health—not merely fight disease. This includes curative care, preventive services, health education, and system-level healthcare planning Encyclopedia Britannica.
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Modern medicine combines artistry (e.g., surgical technique) with rigorous scientific foundations like genetics, pharmacology, and medical tech Wikipedia.
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It spans from traditional/folk practices (often called alternative or traditional medicine) to evidence-based approaches, which integrate clinical expertise with high-quality research Wikipedia+1.
Key Concepts in Medicine
Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM)
This approach emphasizes using the best current, research-backed evidence in combination with clinical judgment and patient preferences to guide treatment decisions Wikipedia.
Levels of Healthcare Delivery
Health systems often operate in tiers:
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Primary Care: First contact—accessible, basic diagnosis and treatment.
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Secondary Care: Specialist consultations, lab tests, diagnostic imaging.
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Tertiary Care: Highly specialized institutions (e.g., teaching hospitals) for complex cases Encyclopedia Britannica.
Medication & Administration
Medicine (or medication) includes drugs administered via various forms—tablets, injections, creams, patches, etc. Its regulation varies: over-the-counter (OTC), behind-the-counter, and prescription-only categories Wikipedia+1.
Treatment Courses
A “course” of medicine refers to taking drugs over a specific duration, often with a tapering schedule (e.g., steroids) to avoid withdrawal or resistance