Has the whole world gone crazy, or is it just me? Since the news of Michael Jackson’s death hit the airwaves it seems to be all people can talk about. A lottery to get tickets to his memorial service, people gathering outside his childhood home and, last but not least being compared to Princess Diana? But what did Michael Jackson really give us? “Billie Jean”, “Say Say Say”, “Beat it” or the “Man in the Mirror”? There is no question that music, regardless of the artist, can change our moods from sad to uplifting in a matter of a few beats. Music can take us back in time as pictures flash like mini movies in our minds of friendships past, a wedding or a joyride with a high school sweetheart.
I am sure we all can remember where we were and what we were doing when we first heard the news that Jackson, Elvis, and Princess Diana were dead. But, can anyone tell me where you were when any of these people died: Paul Lauterbur, Maurice Hilleman, Gertrude Elion or Frederick Banting? Probably not, and I would venture to say that the majority of people do not even know who these people are or their contributions to your everyday life.
Frederick Banting was one of the co-discoverers of insulin, and his discovery has been estimated to have saved over 16 million lives worldwide. In addition to lives saved, insulin has brought a better quality of life to diabetics around the world.
Gertrude B. Elion was responsible for the first treatment for leukemia and the first immune-suppressive agent used for organ transplants. Elion’s contributions, however, don’t stop there. She also invented commonly used drugs for gout, malaria, meningitis, septicaemia, bacterial infections of both urinary and respiratory tracts, and Zovirax for viral herpes. Elion died February 21st, 1999. Does anyone remember hearing about it?
Maurice Hilleman, an American microbiologist specializing in vaccinology, developed over 36 vaccines- more than any other scientist. Hilleman’s vaccines include Hepatitis A and B, chickenpox, meningitis, pneumonia, haemophilus influenza and the mumps and measles. Hilleman was credited for doing more for the benefit of human health than anyone else. He died April 11th, 2005.
And, what a contribution to modern medicine Paul Lauterbur made. Lauterbur co-developed magnetic resonance imaging or the MRI. The MRI helps save millions of lives around the world by allowing doctors to look into the body and brain without exploratory surgery or exposure to radiation. Dr. Lauterbur died on March 27th, 2007.
As I watched all the fanfare going on surrounding Michael Jackson’s death it made me question what kind of society we live in where a pop star is held in regard higher than those who have saved countless lives and improved quality of life around the world. How many people know all the words to a Michael Jackson song? How many know all the words to the National Anthem? How many people know what record label Michael Jackson signed with? How many know where their doctor got their medical degree? Or, better yet, how many even know their doctor’s first name?
Like it or not, I think healthcare needs celebrities in the world to help put a face on illnesses and bring awareness to certain health issues. But we need to keep things in perspective. Without the scientist there is not much need for the celebrity.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
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