EDITORIAL – Innovation and Evidence-Based Practice: Why Both Matter in Clinical Medicine

By Elvana RISTA, MD, PhD

Why This Matters Now
Clinical medicine is defined by decisions, often complex, often made under pressure, and always consequential. Each day, clinicians must determine whether to adopt new therapies, technologies, or approaches, or to rely on established practices that have proven effective over time. Knowing when to change, what to change, and why remains one of the most challenging responsibilities in healthcare. The theme of this issue, “Innovation and Evidence-Based Practice Across Clinical Specialties,” speaks directly to this challenge. It reflects a fundamental principle of modern medicine: progress depends on the careful balance between innovation and evidence. Innovation without evidence is guesswork. Evidence without innovation means progress stops.

The Real Problem
Many clinicians experience a persistent tension between enthusiasm for new developments and caution born of experience. This is real and understandable. When we find something that works, we need to understand why it works and how to use it better. When something doesn’t work the way we hoped, we need to be honest about that as well. Innovation and evidence-based practice are not opposed to each other, they are partners. Evidence tells us what works. Innovation challenges us to find better ways of doing things. Together, they move medicine forward.
The articles in this issue of Medicus reflect clinicians and researchers across many fields doing exactly this work. They are asking questions, testing ideas, and sharing what they learn.
This issue brings together contributions from diverse medical specialties: nephrology, radiology, hematology, infectious disease, pharmacy, physiotherapy, and others. Each article represents a commitment to better understanding disease, improving clinical practice, and ultimately, better care for patients.
We hope you find these contributions valuable. Whether they confirm what you already know, challenge your thinking, or inspire new questions, that engagement is what makes medical progress possible.