What do I know, not know, and believe?

Book Review:  How we do harm by Otis Brawley

Everyone, and I mean everyone, should read this book that is largely concerned with the medical-industrial complex in the USA. Dr. Otis Brawley is qualified in so many ways to write this book as you will discover in the preface/introductions.

"What do I know, what do I not know, and what do I believe?" This is the recurring theme through the book.

We as physicians have a responsibility to act with information, integrity, and awareness of what might be influencing us unconsciously, and to then act ethically with nothing but the patient's best interest as our goal. Because, disturbingly, this often is not what happens, you and I as patients have a responsibility to be informed about our health, and not afraid to respectfully question our care plans. It is NOT as some sensationalists suggest that there is a conscious effort to keep magical treatments from the public, but the subtle and not-so-subtle reasons things are done due to misguided opinion, because someone is lazy and recommending over and over the traditional treatment when science has moved on, or simply to make money. 

The book will also turn your concept that all health screening test are good on its head.

This is one of those rare books that I will strongly endorse to family and friends.