Health Care Professionals: Scientists in Action

Two of my heroes are Florence Nightingale and Joseph Lister (I think you can figure which is which). Florence was a nurse who used her love and knowledge of science to revolutionize the practice of medicine in England during the Victorian era, saving an untold number of lives. As demonstrated during her service in the bloody and destructive and, like all wars, ultimately indecisive Crimean War, she was a damned fine nurse, too, who showed doctors how patient care should REALLY be done. Joseph Lister was a doctor who bucked the status quo in 19th century London by using science to invent antisepsis, thereby saving countless lives. He was also the best physician in Britain, who demonstrated real care for his patients rather than the usual patronizing exploitation. This man and woman were what I call clinical scientists, or scientist clinicians. Their love of science made them the best in their fields and allowed them to care for patients in a way no one else had done to that time. Flo and Joe, here's to you! I want to be like you when I grow up!