Health

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Vital Signs

SHOW #9

Medical Breakthroughs

SHOWCASE: MEDICAL BREAKTHROUGHS FROM THE BATTLEFIELD AND BEYOND

This month we highlight medical advances born on the battlefield out of necessity and their eventual reach in emergency rooms and in procedures around the world. We take a look at how these inventions are transforming civilian hospitals and care. Dr. Sanjay Gupta takes a look at technology originating on the battlefield and its impact on the medical mainstream.

FUTURISTIC BIOTECH

We'll look at what's next in biotech - from a remote-controlled tiny robot designed to enter the body for medical use to navy sonar repurposed to fight breast cancer. A look at some of the most far-reaching advancements coming out of military labs.

MEET THE “CHUNG-BOT”

Robots are helping doctors at the Brooke Army Medical Center treat troops located in smaller combat hospitals around the world. With the help of “chung-bot”, over 300 medical interventions have been conducted in three years from remote locations - including from more than 7,000 miles away during active duty in Baghdad last year.  Dr. Gupta introduces the world to "chung-bot" - he talks, “walks,” even takes pictures to help specialized army docs treat patients from afar.

VITAL LINK: AFGHANISTAN'S WOMEN DOCTORS

Under Taliban rule, women in Afghanistan were prohibited from being examined by male physicians. At the same time, the Taliban prevented most female doctors and nurses from working. Healthcare, a fundamental right for many, was just another in a long list of those denied to Afghanistan's women. We meet a courageous female doctor determined to give first-time care to fellow Afghani women. Atia Abawi looks at why women in particular will play such a vital role in rebuilding Afghanistan's health system.