The future of medicine

Speculation about the future of medicine is risky. Few would have predicted five years ago the sweeping changes that have occurred. Nonetheless, an analysis and projection of current trends would suggest that further substantial changes await us. These include, among other things, a return of double-digit inflation in health care, an increase in governmental oversight, an opportunity for both patients and physicians to reestablish their influence, a strain upon traditional medical ethics, and no resolution to the issues involving the uninsured. Taken together, these projections suggest a real need for physicians to be involved in helping to assure that those positive developments come to pass and that those unfavorable do not.