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from Section 1 - An Introduction
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 May 2025
Western medicine has undergone significant changes over time. Initially rooted in mysticism, it has evolved into what we experience today as an empirical, scientific discipline. Modern medicine is increasingly associated in the public consciousness with advanced technologies and miracle drugs. However, critiques by intellectuals such as Ivan Illich highlight issues such as medical expansionism and iatrogenesis – the harm caused by medical intervention. Socialised medicine systems across the world face huge challenges, including financing and workforce. Commercial determinants are increasingly recognised as influencing adverse health outcomes, alongside the role of the pharmaceutical and wider health technology sectors. Lifestyle Medicine emerges as a paradigm shift, emphasising preventive measures and lifestyle changes alongside more technologically driven treatments. Balancing evidence-based interventions with holistic care is crucial for overall wellbeing and the sustainability of healthcare and population overall.
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