A Life-saving story from history holds a valuable lesson for actuaries : trust the data

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<title>Life-saving story from history holds a valuable lesson for actuaries</title>
<subTitle>: trust the data</subTitle>
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<abstract displayLabel="Summary">The article recounts how Ignaz Semmelweis used statistical evidence in the 19th century to show that handwashing drastically reduced maternal deaths, yet his findings were dismissed due to prejudice and lack of theoretical support. It connects this historical case to actuarial practice, underscoring the importance of data-driven reasoning over hierarchy or dogma in making sound professional decisions</abstract>
<note type="statement of responsibility">Edward Lovelock</note>
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<topic>Estadística matemática</topic>
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<topic>Análisis de datos</topic>
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<topic>Gerencia de riesgos</topic>
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<topic>Medicina</topic>
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<title>The Actuary : the magazine of the Institute & Faculty of Actuaries</title>
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<publisher>London :  Redactive Publishing, 2019-</publisher>
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<identifier type="local">MAP20200013259</identifier>
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<text>02/02/2026 Number 7 - February 2026 , p. 36 - 41</text>
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