My love of diagnostic processes, a desire to collate data prior to making an informed decision, and the above all that I present my findings to the individual, explain the differential diagnostic process and allow them to draw their own conclusions. It is important that I do not diagnose, partly because I'm not allowed to as I've not ticked the right boxes and attained the correct title, but more importantly because nobody should be a greater authority then the person themselves.I meet two types of people in my work, the anti-authoritarians and the patients. The patients typically struggle with my methods, they want me to be the authority, I want them to fix themselves (with some guidance). They want a diet sheet, I want them to learn, to understand, to take ownership, to realise that things change. And that unless they take the wheel, they may veer wildly off course without even realising it.
authority NOUN
The power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience.
‘he had absolute authority over his subordinates’
‘a rebellion against those in authority’
From an early age I always had a problem with authority, it wasn't that I grew up a screaming anarchist hell bent on fighting the power, I just never saw why somebody, indeed anybody could hold a position of authority over me. Surely we should be able to challenge any person and their views, beliefs and actions. Our early days in school are all about discipline, conformity, disempowerment, fitting in and ultimately becoming dependent upon the system. You tick the boxes, they give you the credentials that you need to progress in the system and so forth. Once this compliance with authority is established it can extend to all areas of your life, an overwhelming desire to comply, to do as your told. The Doctor knows best, and you mustn't challenge their authority. Compliance and a willingness to submit to the statins, diabetes drugs, the endless painkillers, antidepressants and the ever growing cocktail of pharmaceutical concoctions that numb our very existence. And despite all this we never ask why? What does it do? Will it help?
Next time you visit your Doctor, do your research, ask some questions. Typically they hate it, they may lash out and ridicule your attempt to engage in your health. Stand your ground, ask questions, get explanations that you can understand. It's your body and nobody has a right to take ownership of what happens with it, especially in a 7 minute consulatation.
It is a capital mistake to theorize before you have all the evidence. It biases the judgment. - SH