My years of education and successful completion of all academic requirements granted me the privilege to place the letters “DR.” before my name. There are many people with far more education and credentialing who have published articles and books elevating their status to the tops in our profession. Although I applaud their achievements, it appears these advanced degrees have not helped produce SOLUTIONS to the leading causes of disease. How can an “elite” profession with so many accolades maintain its authoritative status with SUCH A POOR RECORD? We have FAILED at resolving Diabetes, Thyroid Disorders, Cancer, Heart Disease, Strokes, High Blood Pressure, and so many other named diseases yet the consumer continues to come to us and follow our recommendations.
What other profession has a record this poor yet remains unchallenged?
Chiropractic Physicians adjust their patients, Acupuncturists rebalance energy points, Naturopaths provide supplements and herbal remedies, Medical Physicians provide pharmaceutical drugs and the list of health care providers and their services/products goes on. With all of this EXPERTISE,
WHY DO WE REMAIN AN UNHEALTHY NATION?
In my opinion, (we) doctors have lost our focus by failing to define a mission statement of purpose. What goals do we providers set to measure our success and failure of performance? When was the last time any provider sat down without distraction and questioned whether his or her services contributed to advancing a healthier nation?
Just like most people, we wake in the morning and go to work to “do our jobs.” Those three simple words define the word TASK. Maybe this is part of the problem. A task is often viewed as nothing more than a CHORE. How much energy and effort do most of us apply when performing “chores?” They are simply responsibilities we are “required” to do. Once they are completed (regardless of how poorly done) we can move on to doing other activities we WANT to do. The title DOCTOR doesn’t magically change this reality.
Maybe it’s time to introspect and see if this explanation applies to your life (THE READER) as well. How can we make REAL positive strides in life if so much of our time is spent completing “CHORES?” Regardless of our “title” in life, maybe we should ALL:
CREATE A MEANINGFUL MISSION STATEMENT
as a starting point to help create a path to follow. I use the term “meaningful mission statement” because it should NOT be viewed as a CHORE! This statement should create excitement, purpose, positive energy and motivation. It should provide each person the opportunity to ultimately measure success and failure and help identify any modifications in behavior or actions needed to achieve this statement.
Maybe ALL types of doctors should consider including in their MISSION STATEMENTS a sentence relating to services which
PREVENT PATIENTS FROM DEVELOPING CHRONIC HEALTH CONDITIONS IN THE FIRST PLACE
rather than simply maintaining them once they develop. Maybe doctors should include an oath promising to practice a lifestyle of healthy living. They could ACT AS ROLE MODELS and create better awareness so people understand the importance of these lifestyle choices.
There are many challenges facing our nation. In the world of health, it is time we confront them and stop denying they exist!
As doctors, we must decide whether it is more important:
-
to follow an institutional policy that takes little responsibility in changing and improving the quality of our patient’s lives while financially benefiting from this relationship
OR
-
to develop a MEANINGFUL MISSION STATEMENT that results in a healthier nation, greater self purpose, greater personal satisfaction and greater pride in a profession choosing to make a quantifiable contribution to our planet.
As patients, we must decide whether it is more important:
-
to willingly continue to participate in a flawed health care system designed to medicate us for the rest of our lives
OR
-
to develop a MEANINGFUL MISSION STATEMENT that results in a positive attitude, increased energy, improved overall function and quality living by taking responsibility for our individual roles in achieving and maintaining GOOD HEALTH.
All About Healthy Choices 
What I understand that doctors are here to serve and protect lives. Now, we as human beings are using doctors to end our lives.
LikeLiked by 5 people
It seems that doctors have chosen to take greater responsibility for individual health conditions while only providing limited solutions to multifaceted problems. The patient’s willingness to shift their health burden onto the doctor’s shoulders lacks good judgement. No one will care more about an individual’s health than the individual him or herself. I don’t believe we are using doctors to end our lives, but rather helping us prolong a chronic state of sub-par health. This is not health care; it is disease care maintenance.
LikeLike
Your introspective nature and generosity of spirit are such blessings….thank you for sharing your suggestions and solutions (practical and spiritual)….thank you for your unwavering commitment….you are a brilliant light. 🙂
LikeLiked by 5 people
I can’t thank you enough for such kind words. The messages I share are really quite simple; they are simply overlooked quite often in the scheme of life. Unfortunately, many people suffer great damage both physically and emotionally as a result. My wish is to “wake up” society and reveal the amazing potential each of us possesses with a change in attitude and behavior. Just as it is natural for the body to be HEALTHY, so too, is it natural for the mind and spirit to be HAPPY.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thought provoking. You sent me to a tizzy. Thanks for sharing this. 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
I’m glad you found this provoking. I wonder, however, at what point do thought provoking ideas become actionable change? I often explain that PAIN and PLEASURE are the two sensory components that motivate behavior. Why do most people choose PAIN over PLEASURE when the experience emerges with the same eventual outcome?
Thank you for sharing your comment with all of us.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A thought is only a beginning, people often forget what should come after a thought has been provoked. Action. But if you must, you must.
LikeLiked by 3 people
It is so incredible that we have so much medical expertise in Canada as well, and we are an unhealthy nation.
It seems that most doctors do have that institutional policy mindset. Is it something they have to adhere to, or risk losing their medical practice? It is something I have wondered from time to time.
I do love that final Meaningful Mission Statement. If only all doctors used that as their statement.
Thank you for sharing! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for sharing your viewpoint from the Canadian perspective. I believe young doctors are excited about graduating and ready to implement their studies into daily practice. The problem is doctors never think to challenge their studies in search of new and better foundations of health. As they begin their clinical careers, the truth becomes self evident. The financial benefits begin to outweigh the recognition that today’s protocols do not restore health, but rather maintain chronic disease. Fear (as you mention) of the countless numbers of doctors willing to replace them causes greater willingness to accept current policies. I question, however, which is a greater curse; providing a service without conviction in a flawed system with a poor outcome or selling one’s soul for an income that provides nicer amenities?
LikeLike
Great points, couldn’t agree more.
I don’t know how it is in the US but here in the UK the poor NHS doctors are so overworked due to government cut backs and mismanagement it would be hard for them to do more than try to simply keep up with the huge amount of patients they see. I do believe the idea of promoting health is the solution though – healthier people – less patients – doctors more free to find solutions and give quality care rather than a quick fix. Keep up the good work!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you Claire. I share your thinking. Doctors, worldwide, would be less burdened if we started teaching people how to RESTORE GOOD HEALTH rather than treating and maintaining ongoing CHRONIC DISEASE. This, however, requires that patients must also BE WILLING to modify current destructive lifestyles in favor of achieving a better QUALITY OF LIFE. We need better and more frequent communication between doctors and patients to achieve this outcome (initially.) A reward system for both doctor and patient might incentivize both parties. We can’t afford to continue following our current path of failure. We are not improving health; we are (at best) attempting to stabilize and maintain ongoing disease. This is an unacceptable and immoral practice.
LikeLike
Couldn’t agree more!
If only also advertising were used to promote health and benevolence instead of a mere integrity lacking money making. I think these these life changes would be made easier sans the media food/drink bells.
PS I heard the old system in China was that doctors were paid when their clients were healthy but received nothing when they were sick – don’t know if it is true but it’s an interesting perspective.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Once again, I thank you so much for all the time and thought and energy that you put into these blog posts. I love the idea of a personal Meaningful Mission Statement. I had never thought of that, but personal health is something that takes focus and commitment – exactly what a good mission statement describes.
I’ll definitely put thought into that one! Keep up the wonderful work…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Tanya. I have learned so much from people all over the world and applied many of their ideas and suggestions to my life. All of us possess the ability to share our individual skills to benefit eachother’s lives. All it takes is a desire to live in a better world.
I look forward to reading your beautiful words in future postings.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I think your last quote says it all. I believe If we are not changing, then we are choosing. Each of us need to take that responsibility for our own life and health, instead of placing it on the medical system and others.
LikeLiked by 5 people
Agreed Karen. The medical system can be ONE of many resources helping guide us toward attaining the comprehensive information needed to making the best informed decision for ourselves. This would help reduce the burden our health care system currently faces while creating greater self empowerment over one’s own health. A real win-win scenario for all participants.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Another great article Jonathan! Creating a meaningful mission statement is a great idea. Too many of us just walk through the motions and do not think about what we are doing!
LikeLiked by 3 people
I think many people would be willing to create a mission statement given the opportunity and suggestion. I think our lives move at such a fast pace, most don’t consider this option. It could help many people discover a greater sense of purpose and happiness while reducing so much unnecessary stress.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes that is so very true! We are running and not taking the time to even know where we are going or why! A great idea!
LikeLiked by 3 people
I liked this post.. especially about creating the mission statement.. it seems to me that we often fail to read the same which is constantly vibrated in our heart..
LikeLiked by 3 people
I couldn’t agree with you more.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Think I’ve mentioned previously that I volunteer with those who experience mental health issues – at a recent support group meeting I heard the most amazing solutions for our current political confusion. And bear with me as I think these ideas might also remedy our other health turmoils.
They suggested
1. Only pay for services successfully rendered [or sicknesses cured]
2. Give them a substantial allowance/salary and then deduct a fixed amount for all promises not kept [or all patients not helped].
In other words tie their income to their performance or outcomes … makes sense to me!
How can we do this? Will any of them step up and agree to such conditions?
Most other employees are subject to repercussions if they don’t perform in their positions …
LikeLiked by 3 people
Let’s see, will congress give up their lifetime pensions and insurance coverage? Will lawyers accept fines for defending frivolous lawsuits?
Rather than subtract, maybe a better alternative is rewarding job performance with additional benefits. I think if we approach this from a more positive perspective, more options might become available. (Regardless, I like your thinking!!)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree – can we get them to grant themselves the standard base wage with the ability to earn more as they perform? ha ha they look after themselves very well as the poor get poorer!
But they need to know that desperate people will take desperate actions … sadly a doctors mistake dies.
LikeLiked by 2 people
We live in a round world. I promise you that any profession that looks after themselves at the expense of others will experience difficulties in life. Everything ultimately balances out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent post!! When will your book be coming out?
I’ve often wondered what’s changed in the world of medicine and chalked it up to many more people, insurance red tape and an overall broken system. It seems doctors are overbooked, do not have enough time to spend with individual patients and leaves us feeling like we’re on an assembly line. Proactive vs reactive seems to me to be a better solution because forgetting our “why” leaves us in that awful position of viewing our professions as tasks. Could another part of the problem also be tied to money lost if people were healthier? Just a thought.
LikeLiked by 4 people
I like to consider myself naive and hope the concern for income is unfounded. In my opinion, doctors could be busy helping MAINTAIN healthy patients in place of MAINTAINING chronic diseased ones. The office visit would likely require less time AND LESS COST. Maintaining health is easier on BOTH the patient and the doctor.
I appreciate you bringing up this idea. I’m sure many people think and feel similarly.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The idealist in me can see your point however I have difficulty silencing the cynic in me. I don’t believe all doctors care only about status or the money and I’d like to think that whatever it was that prompted them into the profession is partially due to their love of humanity.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I agree with you that all doctors are not motivated (basically) by greed. In fact, I believe most are caring, compassionate providers. Sometimes, however, human ego interferes with critical thinking and judgement. Every profession experiences this; it is not isolated to health care.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes indeed the ego can have a major impact on a wide spectrum of professions.
LikeLiked by 2 people
BTW…I hope your friend has found a good approach to addressing the health issue you mentioned in the past.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for recalling this, she has continued with the chemo treatments (I think she has 2 more to go before her double mastectomy). Its been tough with infections cropping up along with the chemo. The port in her chest had to be removed and now the just do a line in her arm to administer the cocktail.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hoping for a successful outcome with her course of care.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!! Me too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
[…] LET’S BE HONEST! […]
LikeLiked by 1 person
[…] LET’S BE HONEST! […]
LikeLiked by 2 people
Treating the symptoms instead of looking to see what the underlying problems are – even if they aren’t the specific disease, but the activities and lifestyles that caused or help contribute to the disease. As always, your blog is an excellent stop on my daily rounds! (Or, almost daily rounds.)
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you very much for your kind words and your much appreciated support.
LikeLike
If everyone was healthy, doctors wouldn’t have jobs. It’s not in their self-interest to prevent 😉
Seriously though – or maybe I was serious before – I think it’s a great idea for individuals to create a mission statement. I’ve written them for companies in the past, but never for myself. I will ponder this exercise.
LikeLiked by 5 people
I noticed someone took your comment very seriously. I love when you ponder. I like to watch your brain play both sides of the equation. If you happen to fall short of a conclusion regarding a personal mission statement, I suggest you answer the question, “how can it hurt?” This question just might tip the scale in one direction or another. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like to think that Doctors should be proactive about prevention. I read the comments, I saw one person say doctors wouldn’t have jobs if they prevented illness. I disagree. What better job thatn that? Preventing illness.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I agree with you. It is a misconception that a doctor’s primary role is to “undo” disease. It is a doctor’s job to educate and keep their patient’s healthy. It is our primary role to maintain HEALTH; not combat disease or maintain sub par health. The sooner people see this reality, the healthier our population will become.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly. Too often people wait until there is something wrong to visit their doctor.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thought provoking as always. Should a hold doctors to the same health standards as our personal trainers. Would you continue to visit a trainer that ran out of breathe faster than you did when working out. I think the problem may lie in people’s perception on doctors and their ability to prescribe and diagnosis.being seen as an advocate for healthy living is much further down the list. Excellent post.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Discovering new paradigms often leads to greater understanding and better outcomes. Living the lifestyle of these new paradigms adds credibility to both the paradigm as well as the follower. If doctors believe what they advise their patients, I’m not quite certain why they’d choose to follow an alternative destructive pathway. People’s perception that prescribing drugs is the role of the physician is the FIRST PARADIGM that needs to change!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This post is so true of most MD’s….however because I shop around we were able to get doctors that give that little extra we expect, they take the extra minute or two and sit down, actually care about whats going on…I am sure they drive their staff nuts as they are always behind…but I never leave feeling like I have been shoved through like a lamb to slaughter…my MD’s know I come with info I researched and if they have don’t have an answer for my question, they jump on the internet or open a book…we research together…I have had the “how quick can I see the patient MD” and very quickly say good by to them… the only part of your post I didn’t read about it the MD’s are being restricted to X amount of time for Y problem….I ran into that today when I called to make an appointment with my MD….I wanted to see her to go over medications and get lab…the lady on the phone said she would send a lab slip to the lab and then I could make a follow up….let me tell you I did a tit for tat with her, I won…no surprise…I will see her first, talk about what I want and what she thinks I should have done and then go back for a follow up…I made both appointments and I know I pissed the lady off on the phone, I realize she is just doing her job…shoving people through as fast as she can…and protecting the MD from unneeded appointments, but I know my MD…we have a repore (sp) she knows what I expect from her visits and she is willing to give me the time…after all I am paying for it aren’t I….okay I am getting on to a rant….so better end this..I feel sorry for the MD’s as they are be handled by the corporation they work for, and many of them have no say in how their patients are handled…again it all comes down to the all mighty dollar….how much for how little……kat.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Kat, you are a unique patient and THIS IS WHY your doctor enjoys working with you. When a patient has questions and wants to discuss possible solutions it shows their commitment to themselves. This EXCITES good doctors because it usually results in better compliance and outcome. I’m glad you found a wonderful doctor you can work with.
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks…it is nice!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
What a unique idea! I liked how you included all health and medical people in this challenge to change.
LikeLiked by 4 people
All disciplines have room for growth to improve personal skills and services. The day we believe we have achieved all we need to know is a good day to consider retiring from the profession. The sharing of ideas and perspectives between colleagues and patients helps improve the quality of services offered. Isn’t this really what doctoring is all about?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey Jonathan, I had a quick question unrelated to this post. I just read an article and immediately you came to mind. Have you heard of the AspireAssist Stomach Emptying System? I saw an image of it on Twitter and thought it was joke but apparently it’s been approved by the FDA. Just wondered if you had any thoughts on it.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Not a fan of this at all. This device provides negative reinforcement by creating a healthier form of bulemia (in my opinion.) I thought the following sentence written about the device was interesting. “The AspireAssist is intended to be used along with a diet and exercise regimen and is not meant for people with existing eating disorders.” If you need a device to empty your stomach after eating (unless you have a medical condition such as paresis) as a result of excessive weight, it seems to make common sense you suffer from an eating disorder.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I figured you wouldn’t be a fan. I really thought it was a joke and you’re right if reinforces negative behaviors. Recently I met a young lady online who’s stomach literally exploded leaving her intestinal tract dead. She couldn’t take anything by mouth for six years. Before hearing of her situation I didn’t think such a thing was possible but I wonder if a device like this could have helped her back when this happened to her.
LikeLiked by 2 people
This device would not have been able to help. It removes substances from the stomach. It doesn’t help metabolize or assist the small intestines with absorption.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, her intestines were not functioning at all. And if memory serves the doctors described them as being black.
LikeLiked by 2 people
My mission is to develop a passion to manage my wellbeing as a whole…to such a degree that it simply flows over to others. My mental, physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of myself and their ultimate wellbeing are my passion. Seeking, obtaining, implementing and sharing alternate lifestyle choices are my aim. Knowledge is power. I believe if it resonates with me, in the very core of my being, and so causes me no ill feeling (simply a feeling of inner peace and tranquility) I try it and if it works for me then I continue with it. Despite the judgement or disapproval of others or my knowledge of traditional mainstream advice.
Thankful their are others who share my passion in growing themselves and raising awareness for the many tools this wonderful planet provides to us for our ultimate well being. ❤
LikeLiked by 3 people
You are a rare gem. Your honesty and integrity is a pleasure to witness (read about.) You will accomplish much over your life. Your positive energy and emotions will fill the heart and lives of many people. Most people that will gain from your “essence” you will never even know. This is the gift of giving for the sake of passion. This is a mission that will return much happiness and sense or purpose while helping you achieve further growth and development.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, I truly hope so, with all my heart 😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
The photo montage under “WHY DO WE REMAIN AN UNHEALTHY NATION?” sums it up so clearly, and the quote from Tolstoy is beautifully presented.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you again for sharing your comment on this article. We live in an interesting world of diversification. We often forget reality in favor of fantasy land. I understand the sentiment, but have difficulty watching people destroy their health and ultimately, quality of their lives.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re not just a Doctor who has beneficial qualities as being a Doctor. But you pass beyond what other Doctors could perform and do. I am learning a pile with your articles, thank you so much for being so helpful by sharing your brilliant ideas.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are very kind. The world is entitled to knowing all sides of all issues. I am simply doing my part to help share a side that rarely gains exposure. I am very glad you find this information helpful.
LikeLike
My dad once said “you are the project manager of your own body.” What he meant was that it is your sole responsibility to take care of yourself. You and you alone has control over what goes into your body, and whether you exercise, smoke, do drugs, follow doctor’s orders, etc. By the way, my dad is well into his 70s and is in better shape than many 30 year olds.
I understand where you are coming from in this article, but I think you lay too much at the feet of the medical profession. If the patient does not follow medical advice, or does not see a doctor until their condition has snowballed into a life-threatening illness (that might have had a simple fix had they come in sooner and/or followed medical advice), then why is that the doctor’s fault?
A doctor can deal with the patient only in the right now, as they are in the exam room. A doctor has no voice once the patient leaves the office.
I have several relatives who dropped dead sooner and more painfully than they had to because they were prescribed medication and did not take it, or did not otherwise believe or act upon what medical professionals told them.
After seeing this in my own family, it blows my mind that someone would pay $150 for an office visit and hundreds or even thousands more for tests & evaluations, then go out and do whatever the hell they want anyway.
I myself have a serious life threatening illness. The good news is that the condition is totally and easily controllable. I can live a long happy life AS LONG AS I STICK TO THE PLAN with no exceptions or deviations. When some dude who spent twelve years studying my problem just to get in the door gives me advice…I listen!
Don’t be so hard on yourself, doc. The “poor record” is on the patient side.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I appreciate you sharing this important contribution for all of us to think about. In my opinion, both doctor and patient have a role to play in determining the success of the treatment plan. Often, people pay the thousands of dollars you mention in lab work and diagnostics because a third party insurance company picks up a large part of the tab. Interestingly, most people do not seem to value their health enough to pay for a lifestyle that provides them with the physical, mental and emotional needs necessary to maintain good health.
This, however, doesn’t provide doctors with an excuse to “give up” on their patients and provide the minimal standards of acceptable care. If a doctor is unwilling to be an advocate for their patients, it might be time to pursue an alternative option within the health care field. If a patient is unwilling to work WITH their physician creating compliance issues, the doctor should refer this patient to another doctor. This is the most ethical way to deal with a combative patient because their time and money will be wasted in this doctor’s office. The doctor’s time would also be better spent helping those patients willing to comply with treatment recommendations.
The goal is to create better communication and better understanding to help BOTH patient and doctor maximize their combined efforts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Be healthy in mind and soul, as “heal” is part of health.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like it!! Good health is about comprehensive BALANCE. This is so much more than just diet and exercise!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like the way you think Doctor! If doctors would change the way they “doctor” as in helping you stay healthy and teaching prevention etc. then I would see a doctor more. As it is, I will only step foot in an office if I had to because I broke an arm or something. I doctor myself and family. We rarely go to a doctor expect for the once a year physical that is required for insurance/work. I did go to a “professional” dermatologist last week to have a suspicious mole checked out. I was the first opinion, but my family wanted me to get a second one! I know I have a mission statement in me, it’s just past 2am. and I’m not sure I could write something that would make sense! Haha. Keep up the great work in making us think!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Message clearly received! You do an awesome job maintaining your health and the health of your family. I wish more parents recognized this as an important role in parenting. So many regard their children’s health in a “passive” manner permitting dangerous health imbalances resulting in life altering diseases.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are very kind to bring up my spirits as a parent. What a job it is! I wonder if I parent well enough. I hope that I have instilled good behavior in life and health so that they can make good decisions. Though, my daughter did burn herself while in California (watching a surfing competition)…she still called me for a remedy! Hahaha. She knows what to do, but I guess still needed reassuring! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It just proves how much they value you as a parent and know the experience you’ve developed over time continues to offer great benefit to them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m keeping you as my personal Life Coach! Hahahaha! Thank you for the kind words! Have an awesome day! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You too!
LikeLiked by 1 person