Math!!!???

Math (the Brits call it "maths") is the language of science, and that includes biology and medicine. From measuring body temperature to figuring out cardiac output, the clinician must have number skills. Acid/base parameters, blood counts, electrolytes--numbers all.

We are not talking differential calculus here, but just basic arithmetic and some simple algebra. In addition, we use the metric system, like every country in the world EXCEPT the U.S.  If you don't like conversions, blame the fact that we have to do it on American exceptionalism, not scientific elitism.

If you accept this calmly and work with it, it will be your friend. The quantification of things is, after all, important. Dosages, rates, basic measures of metabolic stability or instability--these are the tools of our trade. And we need to be able to use them with patients, as well (blood glucose, anyone?).

So, when we talk numbers and equations, we will keep it simple. 

But these numbers are critical--you cannot play Calvin Ball with them.