Symptoms of Unknown Origin: A Medical Odyssey 1st Edition by Clifton K. Meador (PDF)

Description

For years after graduating from medical school, Dr. Clifton K. Meador assumed that symptoms of the body, when obviously not imaginary, indicate a disease of the body—something to be treated with drugs, surgery, or other traditional means. But, over several decades, as he saw patients with clear symptoms but no discernable disease, he concluded that his own assumptions were too narrow and, indeed, that the underlying basis for much of clinical medicine was severely limited.Recounting a series of fascinating case studies, Meador shows in this book how he came to reject a strict adherence to the prevailing biomolecular model of disease and its separation of mind and body. He studied other theories and approaches—George Engel’s biopsychosocial model of disease, Michael Balint’s study of physicians as pharmacological agents—and adjusted his practice accordingly to treat what he called “nondisease.” He had to retool, learn new and more in-depth interviewing and listening techniques, and undergo what Balint termed a “slight but significant change in personality.”In chapters like “The Woman Who Believed She Was a Man” and “The Diarrhea of Agnes,” Meador reveals both the considerable harm that can result from wrong diagnoses of nonexistent diseases and the methods he developed to help patients with chronic symptoms not defined by a medical disease. Throughout the book, he recommends subsequent studies to test his observations, and he urges full application of the scientific method to the doctor-patient relationship, pointing out that few objective studies of these all-important interactions have ever been done.

User’s Reviews

Reviews from Amazon users which were colected at the time this book was published on the website:

⭐I have read literally dozens of books by doctors, and this is the only I have gone back to over and over again. There is a lot of deep wisdom and insight in this book, and yet it is unusually accessible. Dr. Meador’s personality, humility, wonder, and skill shines through each of the stories with which he illustrates his journey, gravitating toward patients whose problems could not be diagnosed by others. His approach involves both common sense and extensive medical knowledge, married with empathy and caring. Definitely worth reading

⭐This book, Symptoms of Unknown Origin, was fascinating. The author, Dr. Meador, tells about his working with and learning over time with patients who seem to have no origin for their diagnosis. Using the skills of a neurolinquist he sharpens his ability to find causes where none seem to exist, and such causes are often outside of the medical field. It was a “can’t put it down” book.

⭐Received this book extremely fast. Was like new and much better than I was expecting! Awesome book! Thank you!

⭐Very helpful and very insightful

⭐I would like to thank the author, Dr. Clifton K. Meador, for providing me with a copy of this book to review. Symptoms of Unknown Origin: A Medical Odyssey details exceptions to the prevailing viewpoint of doctors, which is that the best way to diagnose and treat patients is by using the biomolecular model of disease. The author, a medical doctor with more than 50 years of experience, came to the realization that there is not always a disease responsible for a patient’s symptoms. He feels that it is important to not separate mind and body, as this provides too restrictive of a view of a possible diagnosis. As far as Symptoms of Unknown Origin (or SUO) are concerned, there are some patients for whom a medical explanation is not readily apparent despite the symptoms they are displaying. Dr. Meador is a great storyteller and, I can imagine, has a wonderful bedside manner for his patients. With interesting case studies to emphasize his point, the author proves that not all symptoms are indicative of disease. Environmental, mental, and extenuating causes all have a part to play in the health and wellness of us all. I would recommend this book to medical professionals, medical enthusiasts, or to those patients for whom this perspective would be helpful.

⭐Dr. Meador was definitely ahead of his time. It took a lot of courage and an open mind to pursue his observations with an open mind as they were not taught in conventional medicine . A high level of paying attention and listening we’re added to his conventional training. As Herbert Spenser said: “There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance-that principle is contempt prior to investigation”. Dr. Meador was not contemptuous, indeed he was open minded and let his observations lead him to the truth. He also had life experiences and situations which opened him up to issues that were not being addressed.

⭐No dislikes !! The author comes straight-forward with his theme–ANEW TEACHING PARADIGM FOR MEDICAL EDUCATORS.The author expresses the age-old paradigm of medical teaching-“Apostolic(dictatorial or egoistic) teaching”, as opposed to the Socratic method of “question and answer”. Further he expounds a look at the patient through observant eyes and an open ear, “listen”-an asset lost by many practioners (by “apostolic teaching” and adherence to the “biomolecular model”).SUO is written with clarity, ,an objective and organized style, concise and using the English language, many foreign practitioners may need to use a dictionary, though the author speaks well in the vernacular.Finally, the author speaks of physical/mental treatment of the patient–the word “mental”-“religious” pop into the reader’s mind-“psychological”. I believe the author reaches for the word “spiritual” in both treatment and writing. A sequel by the author on the latter would be interesting.In summary, the author expresses a new paradigm in medical education. Years ahead of his educational peers, the “inertia” of Medical Education will probably slow him.This book is a “must read” for medical educators, interesting for all medical practionersStan Sanders, MD

⭐Growing up with a parent in the medical industry, I always thought it was interesting how doctors came to the conclusions they came to. Yet in reading this book, my eyes were opened to a whole new spectrum. This book is all about thinking outside the box when you are confronting illnesses within the body.It’s filled with several parables from Dr. Meador’s career of very interesting enigmas he encountered. In academic circles, it’s important to note that the bio-molecular model of Dr. Meador’s day has been replaced with the bio-psychosocial model, yet this transition has not occurred in clinical practice.Until I, myself, witnessed my dad with his plethora of medical woes go through what he did, I myself would consider someone ‘non compliant’ or ‘difficult’ in regards to their own medical care. Although these labels can be accurate, they don’t often encourage medical professionals to address the true underlying problem. This book does. I highly encourage anyone to read this book, yet especially those who are actively involved with medical situations or decisions.**I received this product at no charge in exchange for my honest review**

⭐A brilliant and fascinating account of a doctors experience discovering that the biomolecular model of medicine is inadequate.He has a number of amazing victories with patients who have “Symptoms of unknown origin” but also many failures. For those types of patients, i recommend the spiritual approaches described in “Ministering below the Surface” by Albert Taylor. (Available on Kindle).

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