U.S. Healthcare: Leadership and Quality

The United States is a leader in the field of healthcare. The country is known for its significant investments in healthcare and extensive resources, making treatment in the U.S. highly attractive to patients from different countries. This leadership starts with human resources: more than 14 million people are employed in the American medical sector, accounting for 9.3% of the country’s workforce.

Being a doctor in America is highly prestigious. Local doctors earn significantly more than their colleagues in other countries, which attracts young, talented specialists from around the world. Rigorous selection processes ensure that only the most qualified professionals remain in the field.

Why is Treatment in the U.S. So Popular?

The United States is a popular destination for global medical tourism, and there are reasons for this.

Government Prioritization

The U.S. government places special emphasis on the healthcare sector. According to the WHO, the U.S. ranks first globally in healthcare spending as a percentage of GDP (17.1%) and second in investment in scientific research and development. This helps maintain a high standard of medical services.

High Standards and Innovation

The U.S. leads global innovation in areas such as neurology, organ transplantation, and oncology. For example, the first robot-assisted liver transplant was performed in the U.S., and the country has developed a technology targeting the root cause of Alzheimer’s disease—accumulations of toxic beta-amyloid protein in brain tissue.

Professionalism and Expertise of Physicians

Physicians are among the highest-paid professionals in the U.S. However, rigorous training and continuous professional development are required throughout their careers, ensuring high competency and effective patient care. U.S. training emphasizes technical expertise and crucial soft skills needed for quality medical care.

Capability to Treat Rare and Complex Conditions

Many U.S. medical centers specialize in rare diseases, attracting patients from around the world, often with diagnoses that could not be effectively treated in their home countries.

American Medical Innovations

American scientists are renowned for medical breakthroughs. For example, in 2020, a treatment for sickle cell anemia based on CRISPR gene-editing technology was developed and approved for clinical use. Professor Jennifer Doudna, an American biochemist-geneticist, received the Nobel Prize for her work on CRISPR technology.

Additionally, the U.S. has developed and successfully tested a flexible autonomous robotic catheter capable of navigating within the heart to reach valves, distinguishing muscle walls from connective tissue, and assessing valve condition.

In 2022, the U.S. made headlines with the first successful installation of a brain-computer interface implant, which wirelessly transmits signals to a computer, allowing paralyzed patients to use e-mail, shop online and generally enjoy communication with loved ones despite their condition. The endovascular interface is inserted through a blood vessel at the base of the neck to reach the cerebral cortex. This groundbreaking procedure was performed at Mount Sinai West in New York.

Telemedicine is also being actively implemented in modern U.S. clinics. Sensors are installed in hospitals to collect patient health data, which is transmitted to medical staff or family members through mobile apps or other channels. This allows patients to be discharged sooner while remaining under medical supervision.

Top U.S. Medical Fields

Oncology

U.S. doctors are proficient in both traditional cancer treatments (chemotherapy, surgical removal) and innovative methods (proton therapy, immunotherapy, biological therapy). In recent years, the country’s oncologists have been focusing on the development of new immunotherapy methods. Thus, in 2020, the effective use of natural killer cells (NK-cell therapy) grown from stem cells became known. According to American scientists, the new therapy enhances resistance to cancer even in advanced stages.

Moreover, robotic oncology surgery is also on the rise. In this approach, operations are performed using advanced robotic systems (Da Vinci or Canady Surgical System) which are operated by skilled surgeons who use special console system to manipulate the instruments from a distance. This technology offers high precision of movements, less surrounding tissue damage, reduced blood loss, and quicker recovery after surgery.

Cerebral Palsy (CP)

Not so long ago, cerebral palsy was considered a diagnosis in which the child was doomed to a life of severe limitations. However, American specialists have made colossal progress in the treatment of this pathology and subsequent rehabilitation. According to the statistic, 85% of patients in leading clinics show improved cognitive and motor functions after initial treatment.

When working with patients with cerebral palsy, doctors use complex programs combining drug therapy, physiotherapy and neurorehabilitation technologies. Increasingly, virtual reality technology is being used to rehabilitate patients so that patients can perform exercises that are specifically tailored to their needs and level of functionality. Virtual reality makes the rehabilitation process more interesting and motivating and contributes to a more effective recovery of motor functions.

Neurosurgery

In the U.S., neurosurgeons are deservedly regarded as some of the best specialists in the world. Thanks to unique surgical techniques, doctors achieve excellent results even in complex cases.

An advanced technology widely used by US neurosurgeons is the CyberKnife system, which combines precision robotics with a scanning and imaging system. With this innovative approach, doctors can treat brain tumors without the need for surgery. 

Another well-known technique used in neurosurgery in the US is awake craniotomy – performing brain surgery under local anesthesia. This method allows the patient to remain conscious during surgery, so surgeons can monitor their condition more accurately.  In addition, the stereotaxic method is gaining popularity in US neurosurgery, which allows treating hematomas, tumors, brain abscesses, epilepsy and even Parkinson’s disease by inserting the thinnest manipulator instruments into the brain.

Stem Cell Treatment for Autism

Stem cell therapy for autism is being actively researched in the US. This technique aims to improve the condition of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), especially in cases where traditional methods are less effective.

The underlying mechanism is the ability of stem cells to reduce inflammation in the brain, repair neuronal connections and improve metabolism in the central nervous system. Scientists suggest that these processes may help improve cognitive function and social skills in children with ASD.

The method is still experimental, but a number of US clinics are already providing stem cell therapy to autistic patients. Parents and doctors of children who have already undergone the procedure are noticing improvements:

• Increased concentration and attention
• Improved speech and cognitive functions
• Development of social skills

Reduction in the frequency and intensity of stereotypical movements and other behavioral manifestations of autism.

It is important to realise that the effect may not appear immediately, but as the stem cells are integrated and their regenerative processes are activated. The results also depend on the individual characteristics of the child and response to therapy.

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