Medical Nemesis: The Expropriation of Health (1975)

From the Introduction: full notes at:Medical Nemesis Illich Ivan Illich, 1926-2002 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivan_Illich) Introduction: The medical establishment has become a major threat to health.  The disabling impact of professional control over medicine has reached the proportions of an epidemic. Thoughtful public discussion of the iatrogenic [“physician caused”, iatros=physician & genus=birth] pandemic, beginning with an insistence upon demystification of all medical matters, will not be dangerous to the commonweal.  Indeed, what is dangerous is a passive public that has come to rely on superficial medical housecleaning. My argument is that the layman, not the physician, has the potential perspective and effective power to stop the current iatrogenic pandemic. During the last generations … Continue reading

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Why so serious?

Tyler Marion, B.S., M.B.A., Kevin Cao, B.S., Jorge Roman, M.D. Keywords: Chlorotrichosis; Pseudochromhidrosis; Copper toxicity; Green hair; Mercury, Contact dermatitis; Perioral erythema; Erethism; Joker. Notoriously known as Batman’s ultimate adversary, the Joker is considered as one of the most iconic villains in comic book history. He is easily recognized by his trademark green hair, bleached white skin, and cherry red lips; as well as his cynical smile. These traits have remained consistent through the many adaptations and portrayals of the character. Appearing in several films including the Batman (1989), The Dark Knight (2008), and Suicide Squad (2016), the villain’s famous features have a fascinating origin ripe for speculation. The most … Continue reading

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Notes on Pathographies

Notes on Pathographies: An Arabian Nights’ Experience David J. Elpern* * The Skin Clinic, Williamstown, Massachusetts Email          A few years ago, a group of us gathered in the Osler Library at McGill. Osler guided us with his words: The practice of medicine is an art, not a trade: a calling not a business; a calling in which your heart will be exercised equally with your head. Often the best part of your work will have nothing to do with powders or potions, but with the exercise of an influence of the strong upon the weak, of the righteous upon the wicked, the wise upon the foolish… Courage and cheerfulness … Continue reading

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The Soul in the Machine

Keith Wagner, MS – kedwagne@utmb.edu University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston PDF of Article: Humanism Essay Final-1 Medicine has many facets, but at its heart there is only the patient to be found. The word “patient” is derived from the Latin “patiens,” meaning “I am suffering.” Patients’ collective will to feel well or relieve their burden has spawned every branch on the tree of the health professions. Regardless of their physical or psychosocial ills, they are all souls seeking relief. Patients are not just some complicated machinery to be repaired. They are the spirit hidden inside that machine. You will not find a patient’s love of fishing on UpToDate. … Continue reading

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