The Clinical Applications of a Systems Approach

In the fi rst article in this series, we examined the reductionist approach that pervades medicine and explained how a systems approach (as advocated by systems biology) may complement it [1]. In order for a systems perspective to have any practical clinical signifi cance, we must understand when a systems perspective is or is not helpful, and conversely when a reductionist approach is helpful. In addition, we must be able to envision how a systems perspective can be implemented to appreciate the potential benefi ts derived from its application. In this article, we address these issues and present a practical discussion of systems application to medicine.