Over the last half-century, significant progress has been made in the field of medicine and healthcare. Notable achievements include significantly enhanced methods for preventing cardiovascular and other ailments, high-resolution imaging technologies that aid in early disease detection, as well as the development of effective new medications. These advancements are attributed to scientific research and development efforts carried out in academic and industrial settings. This review aims to explore the impact of two types of research – basic and applied investigation – on advancements in medical treatment. Using specific examples, it will demonstrate that major innovations within health-related industries consistently stem from important discoveries in basic biomedical sciences.