[Avodah] Torah study vs. other contributions to society

[Doron Beckerman]

I just wanted to point out what the Pe'as HaShulchan says in his preface,
that the GRA wanted to study pharmacology from the doctors of the time (i.e.
the practical stuff of how to concoct medicines. It sounds like the
theoretical things he figured out on his own), and his father forbade him
from doing so, so that he should not have to waste time from Torah study,
since he would have to go save lives if he knew how to practically apply the
knowledge he would get from the doctors).

I believe this is based on the Gemara in Megilla that Gadol Talmud Torah
MeHatzalas Nefashos. Had the GRA known practical medicine, he may have had
situations of a Mitzvah that could not be done by others to save lives, and
his father felt that it was not comparable to the value of the extra Torah
study the Gaon could accomplish.

The Chofetz Chaim expresses similar sentiments.

Does the Torah UMadda accept  this approach as part of its Hashkafa, and, if
so, how? Or does TuM feel that other sources contradict this approach?
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