Medical technologises should check out TRIZ, a Russian acronym for “theory of inventive problem-solving.” The picture above represents a problem in thermodynamics where a solution is looked for in mechanical effects. Just as the drunk looks for lost keys under the street lamp, the expert looks for the solution in his or her area of expertise, when the real breakthrough technology might be found elsewhere.
Substitute radiation therapy for thermo-dynamics, pharmaceuticals for chemical effects, and surgery for mechanical effects and you have a picture of the field of medicine. Major future breakthroughs will occur in electromagnetic devices and psychologic inertia will prevent current players from capturing the benefits of new technologies.