Medicine is evolving…what is the future?

 

I have recently read The Evolution of Medicine by James Maskell and it has confirmed what I was experiencing and learning over the last few years. Let me summarize the main points for you:

• We need to address the root causes of diseases. Only a few doctors know how to address the epidemics of lifestyle-driven chronic disease.
• Good news, it is a fantastic time to find the right solutions to combat disease. “Many different factors are all pointing us toward a new paradigm for creating health”.
• The new field of Epigenetics is key to understanding how to create health.
• A new model of Medicine is prevailing, it is described as ”P4 Medicine”: predictive, preventive, personalized and participatory. “This is leading to new skill sets being needed in Medicine, seen in the massive rise of coaches-nurse coaches, health coaches, diabetes coaches.” In the new healthcare ecosystem behavior change is prevailing so health coaching is becoming incredibly important.
Functional medicine is the evolution of the traditional medicine practice and it addresses beautifully the new needs of the 21st century by shifting from traditional disease-centered medicine to a more patient-centered approach. Also, technology has become a huge asset to support Functional Medicine.
The microbiome can affect all different types of diseases-type 2 diabetes, heart disease, joint issues, mental health, and other systems of the body that aren’t related to the gut itself. And Functional Medicine is equipped to address the body as a whole ecosystem.
• “Doctors can create value by creating a team of synergic providers, being available via telemedicine, sending automated email education campaigns, connecting patients to coaches or accountability groups for individuals with the same ailments”.
Doctors need to take full advantage of the power of community by creating synergic providers: for patients…having healthy relationships-and not feeling isolated-is a better predictor of good health outcomes than not smoking, proper nutrition or regular exercise.
• Ultimately we need to think outside the fee-for-service box to empower patients to create health by giving them the tools and resources they need. “Patient engagement is the next blockbuster drug”, says Michael Dermer.
Functional Medicine is based on participatory care, in which patients are the heroes of their own journeys….”we have to curate relevant information that empowers people to participate in creating health”. Health Coaches represent a key player in this new ecosystem.
• “The potential for growth lies with three components: group office visits, creating provider teams and better use of technology.” There are huge positive externalities derived from a new system like this one, the ripple effect is enormous, affecting people from all communities.

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Virginia

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