Stephen Allen Christensen
There's an old adage in medicine: Once you graduate from medical school, it doesn't matter whether you were at the top of your class or the bottom; everyone will still call you "Doctor."
Frankly, I was surprised when, as a junior in med school, I was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha (the top 10%). And I was flabbergasted when I was handed the Dean's Award upon graduation. I thought there were better candidates - at least 99 of them, in fact - in my class of 100.
Along the way, I recall my classmates and several faculty physicians telling me I was crazy for wanting to go into Family Practice. They pointedly reminded me that I could do anything I wanted to do. That was okay, I told them... I just wanted to be a REAL doc.
"But you'll never make any money as a FP, and your life will never be your own," they warned.
Well, at least they were right about that.
Once in practice, I discovered that any notions of hierarchy and privilege among my esteemed colleagues were irrelevant. I watched extremely bright physicians practice mediocre medicine, and I saw individuals who'd struggled through the educational process go on to become exemplary doctors.
As a board-certified Family Physician and ER doctor, I was expected to follow certain rules whenever I treated a patient. In the vernacular of Western medicine, these rules are collectively known as "the standard of care." Unfortunately, this standard is dictated by forces that have little to do with caring.
In my daily life as a solo country doc, I was motivated by another code: that of the healer and teacher. I spent nearly two decades in the trenches of American health care before my eyes began to fail; most of that time was spent helping my patients understand what was happening to them... and what they could do about it. I learned a lot from the people who streamed through my door every day.
An autoimmune illness is slowly eroding my ability to see, but the folks with whom I've rubbed shoulders over the years have given me a gift far greater than eyesight. They have endowed me with vision. I've encountered some fascinating voyagers upon this road we travel.
Along the way, I've learned a little bit about a lot of things. I've absorbed a fair amount of flotsam about herbalism and nutrition - a couple of topics most of us physicians don't know much about. I've rubbed shoulders with Native American healers (though I don't claim any expertise in their ancient craft). I've scratched the surface of Ayurvedic medicine (another timeless art). Unfortunately, the most compelling thing I've learned about Western medicine - that relative newcomer so laden with arrogance - is that it's precepts and practitioners aren't the only avenues to optimal health. Indeed, in many cases they distract us from it.
I've also published a couple of kids' books - just for fun, mind you. They probably won't make it to any library shelves near you, but you're welcome to preview them.
You can visit Dr. Christensen's blog at http://www.herbalcountrydoc.com (click on "Herbal Talk").
Latest Articles
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Vitamin D May Reduce Risk for Type 2 Diabetes
The number of people with diabetes in the U.S. could triple by 2050. Vitamin D might help many of these individuals delay the onset of this disease.
Oct 6, 2011
- Stephen Allen Christensen
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FDA Reports Record Number of Drug Shortages in 2010
The Food and Drug Administration reported 178 drug shortages in 2010, a record that has persisted into 2011. Some of your medications could be on the list.
Sep 7, 2011
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Hospice Care Is Not Just for Cancer Patients
Traditionally, hospice care has been utilized by cancer patients and their families, but anyone with a terminal diagnosis can qualify for this service.
Aug 8, 2011
- Stephen Allen Christensen
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Chantix Use is Associated with a Risk for Heart Attack
A widely used smoking-cessation drug is linked to increased cardiovascular risks. However, the drug's benefits probably still outweigh its risks.
Jul 17, 2011
- Stephen Allen Christensen
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Ulcer Medications Linked to Mineral Deficiencies
Proton pump inhibitors are a godsend for people with ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux, but their prolonged use is associated with health problems.
Jun 22, 2011
- Stephen Allen Christensen
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Exercise and Social Engagement Lower Alzheimer's Risk
Treatments for Alzheimer's offer limited benefit and often carry significant side effects, while risk-free lifestyle changes may prevent this disease.
Jun 22, 2011
- Stephen Allen Christensen
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Vitamin B12 Deficiency Contributes to Dementia in Older Americans
As America's population ages, dementia will become an increasingly prevalent and troublesome problem. Nutritional causes are preventable and treatable.
Jun 1, 2011
- Stephen Allen Christensen
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Exercise and Social Engagement Lower Alzheimer's Risk
Treatments for Alzheimer's offer limited benefit and often cause significant side effects, while risk-free lifestyle changes may prevent this disease.
May 13, 2011
- Stephen Allen Christensen
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Cheaper Eye Drug Effective for Wet Macular Degeneration
A year-long study shows that a cheaper medication for a common but serious eye disorder works as well as a pricier, FDA-approved drug.
Apr 30, 2011
- Stephen Allen Christensen
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Conflict of Interest Rampant Among Authors of Health Guidelines
56 percent of the experts who determine your doctor's practice habits report financial ties that could influence their recommendations.
Apr 14, 2011
- Stephen Allen Christensen
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