Monday, May 28th. The Memorial Day Edition of William Shakespeare's Thought For The Day.

An unexpected clinical downside to the pharmaceutical "pill culture" in this country:

As a practitioner of clinical medicine, I'm a firm believer in conservative treatment of certain acute conditions, and conservative management of chronic conditions, with no prescribed medications whenever possible. Often, for acute problems, it can mean things as simple as ice, rest, wet compresses, diet, exercise, or increased fluid intake.

Most of the time, my patients accept my treatment plan and leave the clinic satisfied. (And almost always get better).

This last week, no fewer than six patients got upset with me because I evaluated and treated their conditions without prescribed medications. I wonder whether they felt "cheated" for lack of a better word, because they left the clinic without a bottle of pills, or a tube of topical medication, or something.

Granted, every single case was a new patient not used to my style of practice, which has received compliments from the doctor auditing my charts. My regulars trust me and my methods.

I have half a mind to invest in some sugar pills, and mark the bottles "amphohydroteracetezine", or something, that I can give out for an ailment that otherwise requires no pharmaceutical treatment. Just to avoid incidents like those above.

That's all. Just wanted to vent...

I love you all...

Note to anyone currently taking prescription medications: Notice I wrote 'whenever possible'; I always prescribe pharmaceuticals when they are indicated, or conform to the standard of care. There are many prescription medications that I trust, and are the bedrock of my practice. I just don't prescribe medications during every single visit. This note is to prevent recriminations, or misplaced charges of being a witch doctor, or something.

Saturday, May 26th. The Weekend Edition of William Shakespeare's Thought For The Day.

Saturday, May 19th. The Weekend Edition of William Shakespeare's Thought For The Day.

Saturday, May 5th. The Weekend Edition of William Shakespeare's Thought For The Day.