This is an interesting question and the answer depends on one’s definition of science. Taken in a narrow sense, natural sciences such as chemistry and biology are, indeed, the bedrock of modern medicine. They help us understand the mechanistic aspect of health and diseases, leading to the development of interventions and treatments such as drugs and vaccines.
However, in a broader sense, science should also encompass both natural and social sciences. Social sciences, including social anthropology, psychology and political science, provide a more nuanced understanding of the multifaceted nature of health. For example, these disciplines help us to understand how social and cultural norms affect health outcomes through our health-seeking behaviour. They underscore the importance of social determinants of health and health equity, two aspects that are also critical for the implementation of medical interventions and healthcare policies in the real world.
The recent pandemic provides a textbook illustration of why both branches are needed to solve real-world problems. The knowledge that we gain from natural sciences through next-generation sequencing and mRNA technology has helped the world develop an effective vaccine for COVID-19 in record time. However, we had largely failed in addressing challenges through the lenses of social anthropology and political science.
Therefore, the science of medicine is not limited to the natural sciences alone. It is a multidisciplinary field that leverages insights from both natural and social sciences. Together, they provide a holistic understanding of health and help inform the development and implementation of effective healthcare strategies. It is through these multi-sectoral approaches that practical applications of scientific knowledge can effect real-world change to tackle real-world problems.