How Much Is that Cure in the Window?: Simple Math Solutions for Complicated Problems in Biology, Medicine, and Healthcare

Beginning with simple examples drawn from everyday life, the author leads you through the steps of applying the powerful Fermi method from physics to the world of healthcare. This approachable book is a gentle introduction to the simple mathematics of estimating everything from jelly beans in a jar to the force of a football head injury, from the time to vaccinate a country in a pandemic to the likely cost of universal healthcare coverage. The author draws upon his experience in physics, neurology, and biopharmaceutical medicine to present an accessible and entertaining book suitable for a wide audience ranging from high school math students to healthcare professionals. The result is a fun way to evaluate many of the pressing issues in healthcare and medicine today‑using no more than simple algebra and reasoning.
Selected topics covered include: How many jelly beans are in a jar? What is the duration of now? What is the force of a football head injury? What is the metabolic rate of a human being? How many patients can a doctor see? How many hospitals are in the US? How long will it take to inoculate the US in a pandemic? What is the probability of being struck by lightning? How much will universal health care cost? How to use Bayes rule to diagnose a headache? Why is everything always late?
Whether you are a math teacher looking for simple applied classroom problems, a medical or nursing student exploring the mathematics behind your field, a healthcare administrator needing to do feasibility calculations for a project, or someone simply preparing for ‘Fermi Problem’ interview questions, this unique little book will take you on a delightful journey you will enjoy. Upon finishing, you will have the tools to quickly evaluate and understand many of the issues, likely outcomes, and potential solutions for our healthcare system today.