Chapter 1: The Role of Inquiry in Medicine

In the realm of healthcare, the value of inquiry cannot be overstated. A quote by the esteemed Claude Lévi-Strauss resonates deeply: “The scientist is not the man who gives the right answers, he’s one who asks the right questions.” This sentiment inspired me to reflect on my personal experiences with medical professionals.

A quarter of a century ago, shortly after returning to Minneapolis from a spring excursion in the Northeastern states (Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont), I began feeling under the weather, akin to having the flu. Yet, this malaise lasted just two days. A week later, however, I awoke to an alarming sensation—my joints felt as if they were ablaze. Every joint, from my knees to my fingers, was afflicted. Playing with my children on the floor left me struggling to stand again.

This ordeal persisted for several days. During a routine visit, my boss casually asked how I was doing. I replied with the customary “Great!” but then shared my concern about my inflamed joints. She suggested it might be Lyme disease, as she had grown up near Lyme, Connecticut, the disease's namesake. Lyme disease is caused by a tick-borne bacterium that can wreak havoc on the body if not treated promptly. Fortunately, early treatment is generally effective.

However, two significant issues arose. First, joint inflammation is often misdiagnosed as arthritis. In fact, my doctor planned to refer me to a rheumatologist based on my symptoms. Second, the test for Lyme disease carries a high false-negative rate, a reality that was particularly prevalent twenty-five years ago.

Thus, I was diagnosed with arthritis, a conclusion my doctor reached based on his medical training. Although I suggested Lyme disease, his immediate blood test returned negative, reinforcing his original diagnosis despite the known limitations of the test. I pressed further, questioning the abrupt onset of my symptoms. “Isn’t arthritis typically more progressive?” I asked.

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He acknowledged the peculiarity of my case but noted that I would have had to travel deep into northern Minnesota for a tick bite. I then mentioned my recent trip to New Hampshire, where I had been in a wooded area. He asked if I had felt unwell shortly after returning, prompting me to recall my brief illness. “Okay,” he concluded, “You have Lyme disease.”

This experience highlights a critical aspect of medical training. A college housemate, a third-year medical student, dedicated countless hours to memorizing human anatomy and treatments. This rigorous regimen often favors rote memorization over curiosity, which can hinder the ability to think critically about non-standard cases.

While this method may be effective in emergencies, it poses challenges for patients with atypical symptoms. I do not advocate for a complete overhaul of medical education; rather, I wish for doctors to recognize the limitations of their training and consider alternative perspectives informed by recent research. The pursuit of “evidence-based medicine” often leads to a curated understanding of research, neglecting the broader spectrum of evidence.

Chapter 2: The Implications of Outdated Beliefs

A concerning trend emerges when examining the perspectives of many medical professionals. Numerous doctors base their views on outdated concepts that were disproven decades ago, clinging to these ideas out of fear or resistance to change. As Plato wisely stated, “We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.”

I have encountered instances where MDs and dietitians have blocked me after I challenged their viewpoints with contemporary research. Engaging in discourse often leads to dismissals rather than constructive dialogue.

It is understandable for a cardiologist to struggle with the notion that lowering LDL cholesterol does not necessarily reduce the risk of heart attacks. Many have been conditioned to believe this, often based on research funded by pharmaceutical companies. For instance, the manufacturers of Lipitor claimed that their medication reduced the risk of heart attacks by 36%. However, a closer examination of the data reveals that the actual difference was a mere 1.1%.

When physicians are shown these manipulative tactics employed by the pharmaceutical industry, they frequently retreat rather than confront the uncomfortable truths. This is disheartening, as many of us believe that medical professionals keep abreast of advancements in their field to provide optimal care.

Ultimately, we often view doctors as detectives who employ their keen curiosity to identify the best treatments. Unfortunately, the reality is that many rely on a memorized symptom-treatment framework. Moreover, when it comes to nutrition, their understanding is often shaped by incomplete information, dictated by the food and pharmaceutical industries that fund medical education.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. I hope it offered insights that resonate with you.

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