We have come from a time of trekking as transportation to flying, even flying out of our planet. We also go several hundreds to thousands of feets under the water too.
We can communicate with anyone anywhere nowadays, even with those who are outside the planet or under the water.
Many things are possible and the few which you may think are impossible are just not popular yet or just very expensive.
As one who works in the hospital, I see a lot of devices that wow me everyday.
A lot of technological innovations in healthcare make me grateful for how far we have come.
Mind you, I am working in a developing country and I know that the devices/gadgets that we have here are just a tip of the iceberg when compared to what is obtainable in developed countries but yet I still appreciate what is available.
Some of these gadgets look simple while some are sophisticated but they all play very important roles that cannot be overlooked.
From the small thermometer that lets us know the temperature to the pulse oximeter that guides us on the oxygen saturation of a patient to the big ones like the x-ray that informs us on the state of internal organs, the CT scan and MRI that gives higher information in some situations. Even the endoscopic machines are not left out.
The oxygen cylinder that supports those who cannot breathe by themselves, the antibiotics that fights infections, the drugs that help us put a patient to sleep inorder to tolerate surgeries or even stay awake while the surgery is on, etc. Not forgetting the hand gloves and face masks that reduces the risk of infection for the health worker.
Sometimes I just sit and wonder how difficult it must have been to be a doctor in the past, practicing without many of these aids. Other times I just wonder what will be available in the future and how much farther we can go in innovations.
It's difficult to see all this and have a favourite because at one time the x-ray helped you immensely in the treating of a patient then the next day, the pulse oximeter made a huge difference in your management, the next week an endoscopy proved pivotal in your diagnosis and treatment.
On some days, the wide bore cannula that allows you transfuse quickly in an emergency receives your gratitude. It's just a rollercoaster of preferences.
You keep falling in love with all these like a young man walking into a university campus for the first time seeing a lot of pretty ladies.
One thing is certain, there are a lot of innovations and there is still need for more improvements inorder to keep improving outcomes.
All images are mine