[Jimbee (OP)]

I guess I can tell you. Every other year I have to have a colonoscopy. I have colitis. It's fortunately under control, unlike my mother's case. But I have to sign a waver before each procedure. And it says medicine isn't exacting. Because it's an art, not a science.

I'm sure they are just saying that to cover their butts, in case I feel the need to sue them for malpractice (which I am sure will never happen--I have a very good doctor). But it got me wondering.

Is medicine a science? Or an art? Because I know the culinary sciences are a definite art. Psychology and psychiatry may be an art, I don't know. But what about medicine?

[Origin]

For sure it is science.
Are you telling me you signed a form saying medicine is more of an art than science?  I would have run out of that place no matter what shape I was in.

[alancalverd]

Putting an endoscope into an orifice is a standard engineering practice. Fishing around inside a colon to excise a polyp is a trade skill. Pathology is a science.

The art of medicine is to persuade the victim to part with cash in exchange for discomfort and a heavily qualified opinion, and to sign a contract absolving the perpetrator from any liability.

The utter disgrace of socialised medicine is that it employs very few lawyers and accountants, and quite a lot of skilled doctors who won't charge you a penny even if they save your life. You sign the contract at birth, to pay your taxes and receive free medical care. It is clearly the curse of society and the death of democracy and freedom.

[Origin]

The utter disgrace of socialised medicine is that it employs very few lawyers and accountants, and quite a lot of skilled doctors who won't charge a penny you even if they save your life. You sign the contract at birth, to pay your taxes and receive free medical care. It is clearly the curse of society and the death of democracy and freedom.

Wish we in the US could experience these horrors.

[paul cotter]

I would ague that historically medicine has been part science, part art. As science has advanced the proportion of art involved has diminished. A yearly colonoscopy?, that's a horrid imposition, my sympathy to you.

[Origin]

A yearly colonoscopy?, that's a horrid imposition,

Beats the hell out of colon cancer...

[paul cotter]

Quite true.

[vhfpmr]

You're lucky if it's not just prejudice, or Diagnostic Overshadowing, to give it the name that the medics prefer to hide behind.

[rohite]

Medicine is a mix of science and art. It relies on scientific knowledge, but also requires a personalized approach in treating patients. It's like the perfect blend of art and science!

[Zer0]

@rohite

Hello & Welcome to TNS.