Show Me the Data

Modern medicine demands that we practice with a higher level of accountability than in years past. Some interpret this as a ‘bad thing’ or a nuisance to their style. In contrast, I suggest that we welcome and help to direct this growing trend in our profession. There is clearly no stopping the progress and science that is being achieved. There is also no stopping the higher level of accountability and demand for evidence that comes along with this environment.

One of my key mentors, Lawrence Harkless, often quotes the phrase "IN GOD WE TRUST, ALL OTHERS MUST SHOW DATA." I love this statement as it sums up the realism of the situation. We can no longer make our medical decisions based solely on opinion. We are increasingly required to practice Evidence Based Medicine. This essentially means that when a pharmaceutical or device representative comes to meet in your office and presents some glossy flyers claiming great results from his / her product, your reply must be for the peer reviewed evidence and literature to be supplied. It is not good enough to have pretty before and after photos to prove success...

Podiatric medicine and surgery is increasingly being looked upon to lead in this field. Our journals are promoting this in the manner by which manuscripts are reviewed and published. Our own research is rapidly elevating the level of evidence for common and uncommon foot ailments. Our professional leaders have a growing presence on national and international panels which are formulating the ways in which we will be judged and reimbursed in the future.

In summary, I encourage you to embrace the growing push for Evidence Based Medicine (EBM) and be a part of moving this forward. EBM is not a problem or another bureaucratic nightmare. We and our patients will all benefit from a better refined practice knowledge base, and we may as well lead this trend rather than be late to the game...

John Steinberg, DPM
Editor - PRESENT Diabetes and PRESENT Courseware