| Professor Wilf Yeo . . . presented latest talk in the ‘Uni in t... Professor Wilf Yeo . . . presented latest talk in the ‘Uni in the Brewery’ series |
Focus on modern medicine
9 May 2008 | Bernie Goldie
The University of Wollongong’s second ‘Uni in the Brewery series’, presented by Professor Wilf Yeo from the Graduate School of Medicine, was held on May 7 and investigated advances made in modern medicine.
Professor Yeo’s presentation, entitled “Modern medicine: how long can we live?”, focused on how medical practice has undergone subtle changes from predominantly the treatment of active disease and its complications to the prevention of disease through attempts to reduce risk factors in the population such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and smoking.
But does longevity come at a price?
An older population has a higher incidence of cancer, osteoporosis and fractures, heart rhythm abnormalities requiring pacemakers, dementia, and the need for care provided in nursing homes.
Professor Yeo highlighted how in modern society dying has gone out of fashion – and that many see death as a medical inconvenience that can be avoided or treated by a visit to the doctor, rather than as a normal consequence of life.
Does medicine serve modern society well, and does society understand modern medicine?
‘Uni in the Brewery’ is an opportunity for the public to hear about the various research projects conducted at the University of Wollongong and to be involved with lively discussion. Presentations are held at the Five Islands Brewery in Wollongong.
Professor Yeo’s presentation was also an Australian Innovation Festival (AIF) event. AIF runs from April 26 to May 30. The festival is a not-for-profit initiative which aims to showcase and promote Australia’s excellence in research, development and commercialisation.
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