Blind spots: when medicine gets it wrong, and what it means for our health

About #

Blind spots by Marty Makary MD provides many examples on how medicine has given the wrong guidance and how the guidance has become dogma, slow to change, costing many lives and diminished health of many.

What is contained within the book is shocking, but also seems one sided. This leaves me wondering, is the same offense of adamantly sticking to your beliefs being repeated by the author? Similar to when I come away from hearing or reading medical information and wondering to what extent to trust or question the information I wonder about some of the content of this book.

What can I glean #

The medical field is not special, not special in that they are also flawed people who make mistakes and struggle to figure out the path forward. But the medical field is special in the amount of money which flows through it, the amount 's is tremendous. And so the temptation to take advantage or manipulate results, of what is communicated either for selfish reasons or for what it perceived to be beneficial for others, leads to great harm. The medical field is also special in the nobleness of the profession, to help people. Unfortunately in this discussion that raises the stakes higher, both to not follow the scientific process or to overlook issues, so what is believed to be help can immediately be given. This is referred to as a "parachute" in the book, it is argued it would be unethical to hold up treatment so that a proper study can be performed.

It's also discouraging in that the government, who I would expect to oversee this process and ensure steps are being followed properly has done the opposite. It is instead prone to mass lobbying and the establishment of processes which silence doctors and enforces flawed dogma.

What does this mean #

I believe most people in the field are there because they want to help. I believe this is true of most humans. But they are also fallible. Life it tough. We each have our challenges and path to walk. No one is immune to this. This is why we need each other. There is no panacea. We must struggle forward together. It will continue to be messy. It will continue to be sad. I hope we can learn to do better.

The book includes the following quote by Evelyn Beatrice Hall:

I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it

The fundamental right to communicate is crucial. This cannot be quashed. It must not be. Beyond this right it is also important for us to hear the other side. But it is tough to listen to viewpoints which challenge our own understanding. Not only this, but it's just not possible to listen to every voice, so how do we know what voice is speaking something unexpected that should be listened to? Perhaps one voice at a time raises the conversation, and so I add my voice. This book represents a minority side to be heard, to be wrestled with.