About the Practice

 

Philosophy:

   The basic philosophy of this practice is that the emphasis is on preventive and nutritional medicine. This is not at all to dismiss the importance of or role of conventional medical approaches and/or procedures. Both are important, and in an emergency or acute medical situation, conventional medical modalities are critical and necessary. There is no time to waste in terms of diagnosis and treatment, and modern medicine is generally outstanding at both of these.

   Nevertheless, there is an important role for nutritional and preventive approaches in medical care. My interest in these modalities has evolved during my personal career in medicine. To get more information on this, please go to 'biography'.   Whereas conventional modalities are often very effective for acute medical problems, chronic conditions are generally best served by focusing on the preventive aspects. Even though many conditions cannot be prevented entirely, often their course of progression can be altered or slowed, so the development of the classical health care problems or crisis can be delayed, if not prevented entirely.

   The nutritional approach to health care issues involves the concept of 'optimal health'. If we can identify and create as close to ideal conditions as possible for the body, natural physiological reactions can then do what they were selected by evolution to do; prevent the development of abnormalities and correct them when and if they occur.

   Modern medical and molecular research have provided a tremendous amount of information related to the function of many body organs and systems.  Although much is (and always will be) unknown, we still have a vast and rapidly expanding body of knowledge related to optimal health processes, and the challenge is to utilize this knowledge in practical and effective ways so as to optimize health, well-being, and longevity. That, in short, is the philosophy and goal of this medical practice.

 

Hospital Practice

   Although I have spent over thirty years on the active staff at Cottage Hospital, and was very active on hospital committees in the past,  I no longer include this aspect of care in my practice.   Nevertheless, I will attempt to coordinate hospital care and to assist as much as possible in the event that a patient becomes hospitalized.    In today's age of modern medicine, the level of complexity involved in the care of a hospitalized patient is such that I feel that these aspects of health care should be managed by specialist physicians in whatever arena the critical problem(s) lie. I will, nevertheless, assist as much as possible in selecting, aiding, and communicating with both the managing physician(s) and patient as much as I can during the hospitalization and post-hospital period.

What is 'alternative' medicine?

  In my mind, the word 'alternative' does not apply to the scientific application of valid principles of good health and nutrition. As defined by the American Medical Association (JAMA reference) alternative medicine are those health related modalities that are not conventionally taught in standard medical training programs.

   This definition is obviously very vast. It is important to note that this definition does not state that alternative medicine is not scientific. In fact, nothing could be farther from the actual fact.

 

 

   Health related modalities are routinely being studied and taught in universities around the world and many academic honors, including Nobel prizes, are given for this study and research. In fact, many of the discoveries being made on a regular basis will be incorporated into standard medical care in the future. For the time being, however, these modalities fall under the term 'alternative' because they are not, at the present time, being taught in conventional medical training programs.

   The reality of medical training programs is that they are extremely intense. As one who has gone through this educational and training process, I can personally state that all of a student's time is taken up with trying to absorb the enormous amount of material that is presented. The reality is that there is a limit to how much can be taught. It goes without saying, therefore, that everything that is pertinent to health care is not, cannot, be taught in any medical training program.

   This is part of the reason why the study of medicine is a lifetime proposition. Irrespective of a physician's specialty or special interest(s) it is necessary to continuously stay abreast of current and developing scientific information. In my own situation, my interest lies primarily in preventive medicine, and, in particular, the nutritional aspects of physiology and optimal health. Because of the enormous amount of material that needs to be taught in conventional medical programs, this aspect of health care is virtually entirely neglected. Whether or not this is a mistake in medical education programs or not is a matter of debate. It is certainly necessary for all physicians to learn the basics of diagnosis and treatment of disease processes as they present themselves.

   This, in itself, requires an enormous amount of time and energy. Personally, therefore, I think it is not necessarily the fault of the medical education process that many aspects of nutrition and disease prevention are not taught in conventional medical education programs. Fortunately, however, access to this educational material is available outside of standard medical educational programs.

   It must be sought out, however, and obtained 'on ones own'. In my own case, since this is where my special interests lie, I have spent many hours seeking out additional education and training in areas of nutrition and preventive medicine. For example, I have taken special education programs and examinations leading to certification as a Clinical Nutrition Specialist' (CNS) by the American College of Nutrition.

   I do not consider this to be 'alternative' medicine, but rather a logical adjunct to the conventional modalities as taught in standard programs. In addition to nutritional aspects, there are many other arenas of health care that are not conventionally taught in the normal course of medical education. Many of these are of interest to me and I have explored them and in several cases, taken special training programs to further my knowledge in these areas.

   My interests are primarily in those modalities that can be verified with data obtained in a standardized scientific approach. By training, I am a scientific-method oriented person. My educational background is very traditional and based in the scientific method. Therefore, the modalities that I personally choose to incorporate are those that can be approached in a scientifically sound manner.

   This does not mean, necessarily, that other modalities are not valid. I find many of them interesting, and am always anxious to review results and hear of anecdotal reports. Many of these modalities probably are effective, but I prefer those that have scientific validation.

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