Many years ago, in mountainous southeastern Kentucky, I called on a country doctor named Floyd B. Hay. When I called on him as a brand-new, wide-eyed pharmaceutical representative, Dr. Hay was approaching the twilight of his medical career in Albany, KY. I was fortunate to glimpse into the mind of this sage-like country doctor. He was a walking, talking relic, a living bridge between the 19th and 20th centuries, and boy, did he have tales to tell.
In 1984, Dr. Hay did more than treat patients; he was a community leader and forward-thinking man who enjoyed sharing his opinion of what the future would hold. When I called on him, he would share stories from his past and contemplate the future of medicine, society, and our country. He recorded several of his predictions in his book, The Country Doctor. Some were close, some just a bit off the mark.
In this last installment of my series on Dr. Hay, we will explore some of his predictions. Before you continue with this last article, feel free to read my previous articles on Dr. Hay, Journey Through Time: The Legacy of the Country DoctorJourney Through Time: The Legacy of the Country Doctor and Childbirth Costs: From 1930s Rural Medicine to Today’s Challenges.
Accurate Prognostications
The Progress of Medicine
Dr. Hay peered into the medical marvels of the future. Guess what? We’re on the brink of a healthcare revolution, with advanced technologies transforming how we battle diseases, just as he predicted.
The Decline of the Surgeon
Dr. Hay was not completely correct about this one. Some may say his prediction stumbled a bit. Dr. Hay might not have stumbled here at all, as he thought technology would edge out surgeons. Skilled scalpel-wielders are still at it, but now numerous procedures are performed using a robot (e.g., da Vinci Surgical System). These robots allow surgeons to perform many types of complex procedures with more precision, flexibility, and control than is possible with conventional techniques. Eric Topol, in his book, Deep Medicine: How Artificial Intelligence Can Make Healthcare Human Again, predicts the role of surgeons will diminish in favor of artificial intelligence lead surgical robotics. We shall see.
The Rise of Test Tube Babies
Dr. Hay had his bets on test tube babies going mainstream. Well, medicine is on its way, but it hasn’t taken the top spot just yet. However, using the definition of artificial insemination outside the womb to begin a pregnancy, this procedure has become more common.
The Rise of Nuclear Power
Dr. Hay had a knack for envisioning the big stuff. He saw a future ablaze with nuclear energy, illuminating homes and cities across the country. Today, some estimates put electricity generated by nuclear power at around 18% in the US. So, nuclear power hasn’t taken over as the primary source of energy production, but it is making progress.
The Threat of Nuclear War
In the midst of the Cold War’s grip, Dr. Hay predicted the looming shadow of nuclear war and how power-hungry nations would, by the ignorant and pompous nature of their leaders, seek to control the world. And oh boy, was he right as we continue to experience international tension.
The Importance of a Strong Military
Dr. Hay saw a world where a strong military was the cornerstone of peace. Today, our robust armies stand tall, guarding against the storm, just as he foresaw.
Predictions That Might Have Missed the Mark by Just a Bit
The Rise of Automation
Fasten your seatbelts, folks. Dr. Hay had a vision of self-driving cars long before Elon Musk. Today, we’re navigating the roads with artificial intelligence at the wheel, somewhat close to what he imagined. Although, we cannot press a button and have our car drive us to New Orleans, this prediction might eventually come true.
The End of Evolution
Creationism over evolution? Dr. Hay swung, and though he didn’t miss it altogether, he might have fouled this one off. Evolution is now better understood, and various factions of deep thinkers allow evolution and creationism to coexist logically in the scientific world.
What Comes Next?
Dr. Hay’s predictions are like chapters from a novel of days gone by. Some predictions hit the bullseye, others missed ever so slightly, but that’s the beauty of peering into the future. Dr. Hay’s crystal ball had its cloudy moments, but it surely was a wild ride to get to where we are today. Who knows what visions the future holds for us? Maybe a sprinkle of magic and a dash of unpredictability.
