We’re so good at medical studies that most of them are wrong

I ran across the above article this morning. The title is self-explanatory. It references other articles and discussions (JAMA, American Association for the Advancement of Science, National Institute of Statistical Services) about the failure of statistical studies in medicine.

This is another example of mathematics used incorrectly.  There are over 30 fields of mathematics.  Understanding the premises behind each is necessary to use it correctly.  Understanding the context  when one uses a particular form of math is necessary to keep from creating garbage results. Quantum mathematics doesn’t help you value a company, and linear algebra does little for the field of game theory.

A friend of mine, a general surgeon, once said that he was quite good, technically, as soon as he finished his surgical residency.  It wasn’t until after a few years later, when he learned when not to cut, that he became a good surgeon.