Readers of these articles know that I often like to take a moment and look back to see what history has taught us. And, parenthetically, if we are listening. In this article, now that the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis is in our rearview mirror, I wondered what advancements we are enjoying as a result.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to several medical advancements and breakthroughs. Here are a few examples:

1. COVID-19 vaccines: The development of COVID-19 vaccines was a major medical achievement, with several vaccines being approved and made available to the public within a year of the pandemic’s emergence. This is a significant accomplishment, as the development of vaccines typically takes years or even decades.

2. Telemedicine: With the need for social distancing, telemedicine became more widely adopted as a way for patients to consult with doctors and receive medical advice remotely. This has the potential to improve access to healthcare, especially for those who live in rural or underserved areas.

3. Rapid testing: The pandemic also led to the development of rapid testing methods that can provide results within minutes or hours. This has been crucial in controlling the spread of COVID-19 and could have broader applications in diagnosing other infectious diseases.

4. Collaboration and data sharing: The global response to COVID-19 has involved unprecedented collaboration between scientists, researchers, and public health officials around the world. This has led to the sharing of data and knowledge that has helped to advance our understanding of the virus and develop effective treatments.

Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of medical research and innovation and has accelerated the development of new technologies and approaches that could have far-reaching benefits for public health. Further, I believe that this new/old threat (pandemics) has hastened the changing of the traditional medical practice paradigm that is going to bring ever changing healthcare dynamics with market disruptors figuring out how to build that mouse trap just a little better.

Healthcare is going to change so dramatically over the next decade that, in one sense, it is so amazing and in another, a bit scary. We are all on the train of change, holding on for our dear lives, while at the same time admiring the view!