KevinMD July 6, 2024
“The art of medicine consists in amusing the patient while nature cures the disease.”
– Voltaire
The medical profession is rooted in trust and transparency, but there are certain realities that doctors may not readily disclose to their patients. Recognizing these truths can empower patients to make more informed decisions about their health and well-being.
Doctors are highly trained and knowledgeable, yet they are not infallible. They may not always identify the exact cause of a patient’s symptoms, relying instead on a combination of patient history, physical examinations, and diagnostic tests. Conditions with non-specific symptoms, like fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, often lead to diagnoses of exclusion.
The field of medicine is constantly evolving, with new research and treatments emerging regularly....