Medicine is not absolute. Doctors practice medicine in an ever-changing field. This is compounded by no one wanting to empathically accept this reality, particularly when it is a medical issue we face ourselves or concerning our loved ones. We want absolutes that are not always possible.

When doctors look at their schedules, they are allotted very little time with each patient. They are under pressure to get in and diagnose; this usually occurs with little interaction. Symptoms are judged quickly by looking at charts and textbooks. While clinicians may wish to take a deeper dive into a condition, management is concerned with the bottom line and what insurance will financially cover. A headache could mean stress or a brain tumor. Tests rule out possibilities, and they are ordered automatically. Pills are quick fixes. There is little time for exploration. Doctors are expected to be miracle workers.

The underserved (and those who serve them) are faced with even more obstacles. Social justice groups fight for equal treatment; they can only do so much. Each person in the process, from the hospital administrator down to the patient has an active role. First, hospital personnel choose the best treatment regardless of protocols. Then, the patient agrees and engages as a willing and active participant in their own wellness plan. Thus, a shift in economics occurs.

Healthcare is so diverse that it has difficulty adapting. The vast majority of the system works on autopilot.  Participants need to engage on a personal level that complements the science.