5 top problems keeping my patients from total health

We become physicians to help people. We give our lives for this cause, this calling.

So, how much do I help people everyday? I mean really help people.... Do I help them deep down, in lasting and meaningful ways that bring them closer to total health?

In order to help, I need to understand and address the underlying problems keeping my patients from truly living healthy lives. As a head and neck cancer surgeon, I'm looking beyond tobacco, alcohol, and HPV.

Here are the top 5 problems I see keeping my patients from total health:

1. Worry.

2. Lack of rest.

3. Poor nutrition.

4. Stagnation.

5. Isolation.

None of these problems are...

• represented by a single medical diagnosis, treated explicitly in a hospital, or listed on a death certificate

All of these problems...

• directly relate to our values as individuals and as a society,
• transcend man-made constructs, and
• impact every aspect of our lives

Call to action:

1. Remind yourself why you became a physician.
2. Figure out the problems you see keeping your patients from total health.
3. When you encounter a patient, don't focus on just the "medical problem." Take an extra moment to ask how that patient is doing in a problem area. Even it feels uncomfortable, go for it. You may be the only person who goes for it.
4. Go above and beyond: Develop a resource that you can provide to your patients focusing on the problem areas you see and how they can improve.

The big picture

Today, people are investing billions into health tech to try to solve some our biggest health and healthcare problems.

Yes, tools like #artificialintelligence have the potential to totally transform our ability to help people.

But at the end of the day, helping patients comes down to you and your team, regardless of the system in which you work or the tools at your disposable.

What are the top problems keeping your patients from total health?

Comment with your problems (and solutions).