There is an ever present danger in this job. You have to be careful not to overplay or get overexcited by new studies or breakthroughs. Obviously, the most important thing is to get the facts correct, but most of us tend to put special credence in what we hear on the radio or are exposed to in the media. It is normal to do this but in an age where there are so many universities, private companies, medical journals - all striving for attention - there is concern that things can be overplayed.
This is where scientific analysis of studies comes in.
The key to medicine is gathering data and building a case. For instance if a study looks at three thousand people, follows them for a considerable amount of time and truly eliminates certain elements that get in the way of a true answer, it is worth discussing but even then it is important to put it in perspective.
There are no miracle cures in medicine. We plod along and slowly reach a solution, if we reach it at all. If you remember this you will never be fooled.
Medical Reports - Week of 10/12/09
KYW medical editor Dr. Brian McDonough talks about diabetes causing serious vision problems, sleep apnea putting drivers at risk, the mediterranean diet, understanding vaccines and controlling hypertension.(3:39)
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