The First Law of Thermodynamics in Medicine: nuts and bolts of wellbeing

Speaker: Vojislav "Vic" Ilic

Affiliation: University of Western Sydney

Time: Monday 31/03/2014 from 14:00 to 15:00

Venue: Access Grid UWS. Presented from Campbelltown (26.1.50), accessible from Parramatta (EB.1.32) and Penrith (Y239).

Abstract:

There are many parallels between a machine and the human body. However, while our knowledge of the machine is complete, the same cannot be said of the human body. Interestingly though, both are subject to "wear and tear", respond positively to maintenance regimens and fail if neglected. Machines depend on the operator to take care of them. In the human body, “the operator” is an inextricable part of it. This has interesting practical implications – how it affects our wellbeing, as it clearly puts the onus of responsibility (or the lack of it!) on everyone individually.

The starting point of the analysis is The First Law of Thermodynamics needed to provide the essential direction towards a rationalised approach of understanding disease, how to deal with it and best of all, how to avoid it. Common diseases are mentioned to illustrate a variety of seemingly disparate "failure modes". These are then contrasted against a few underlying causal principles, understanding of which will be made evident in this talk and demystify pathogenesis (disease).

Empowerment with this knowledge will pave the way towards one’s control of one’s own health and active partnership with a healthcare provider to more effectively address any health issues should they arise, as well as how effectively to avoid them.

Biography: A SCEM Adjunct Fellow into his second year, Vic spent 16 years as a full time academic with UWS, teaching varied aspects of Mechanical Engineering. His expertise and main interest has been Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Sciences 2013 honed at ANSTO and CSIRO although he easily adapted to any teaching needs as they arose (Biomedical Engineering, Engineering Ethics, Mechatronic Design, etc). Through these endeavours he developed an interest in Engineering Education, with regular contributions to conferences at home and abroad. He much enjoyed hospitality of his overseas colleagues at Dartmouth College, NH, University of California, UCSB, CA as well as University of Belgrade.