For all too many dedicated physicians, stuck in a cycle of seven-minute patient visits and production line healing, medicine has become a frustrating vocation. Furthermore, the current epidemic of chronic illness demands a new care standard that can break down the existing structural barriers to full resolution. It requires functional medicine. The Evolution of Medicine provides step-by-step instruction for building a successful "community micropractice," one that engages both the patient and practitioner in a therapeutic partnership focused on the body as a whole rather than isolated symptoms. This invaluable handbook will awaken health professionals to exciting new career possibilities. At the same time, it will alleviate the fear of abandoning a conventional medical system that is bad for doctors, patients, and payers, as well as being ineffectual in the treatment of chronic ailments. Welcome to a new world of modern medical care, delivered in a community setting. It's time to embrace the Evolution of Medicine and reignite your love for the art of healing.
3 stars are completely based on the format of the book, not solutions for medical practice. I believe the Functional Medicine is the future, but I didn't have to read the same thing over and over again (around 60% of the book) to get to the good stuff.
A family physician discovers "the evolution of medicine"
James Maskell has written a brilliant book that mirrors the transition of my family practice to a functional medicine practice. 50% of my classmates from 1976 have left medicine. Becoming a certified IFM practitioner has rekindled my passion and saved my practice. Thank you James for providing a blueprint for others to follow. As you pointed out, 80% just want a prescription and are not willing to find the causes of their illness, I have chosen to focus on the 20% who are willing to discover the causes and make lifestyle changes. Patient satisfaction is up, and I am getting control back of my practice. I believe this the medicine of the future, that will appeal to my grandchildren. Mr. Maskell is speaking a language that is very important to educate the patients, so they can feel empowered and have a voice in their wellness journey. He also addressed the truth of the physician's fears of being ridiculed by colleagues which keeps them from following their passion and being true to themselves. Thanks James for setting a roadmap for the medicine of the future! Which is NOW!
I am already a believer in this form of health care and am providing this form of care to my clients. However, I recognize that I live in a "bubble" and it's easy for me to forget that there are many people who are not aware that this form of health care exists.
That said, I think this is an excellent book for both health care providers and patients. From a patient perspective, it's so important to start taking control of your own health - this is where prevention comes in. It also gives patients the knowledge and motivation to look for solutions, rather than accept a diagnosis. For medical professionals, this book might remind you of why you went in the field of medicine in the first place and stimulate you to ask some questions around if you're happy with your current practice.
I thoroughly support the integration of fundamental medicine into healthcare. The reason I gave this book 3 stars is because I do not like the format of the book and how repetitive it is. It is directed more towards physicians instead of the community as a whole. Also, the layout is basically a 'how-to' create a fundamental medicine practice & references many resources to get this type of practice up and running. I didn't need to read the entire book to get the point. I think the book could of had more depth of the overall issue of chronic disease and preventative measures not being addressed appropriately in American healthcare.
It is clear that conventional medicine is not working. It is great for acute illness (strep throat, cuts, trauma and so on) but not for diabetes, high blood pressure etc. Functional medicine treats the root cause of disease. However, changing to a functional medicine venue is not easy and income drops. This book helps the practitioner find ways to set up a functional medicine practice without dropping income drastically. A win win for both patient and provider.
This was a really quick read about the future of medicine, the rise of functional medicine, and the evolution of a physical medical practice. Hospitals are great at treating chronic disease and illness, but they’re not great at curing or preventing chronic disease in the first place. “Functional Medicine Micropractices,” as the book refers to them, represent a solution.
The Evolution of Medicine details why these micropractices are the future of medicine and how to run a successful instance.
It’s an entirely different paradigm, and one I aspire to potentially be a part in one day.
Functional Medicine is the Future! I appreciate James Maskell's approach to functional medicine and inspiring the movement to self-education and helping the body to heal itself. The power of the group visit can make real world changes where individuals have been unable to make the lifestyle changes by themselves. We all have a limited reservoir of willpower, however, when we get together as a group we can make transformations that we couldn't do alone.
A good look at the future of medicine: functional medicine.
I recommend this to any physician or health care provider who is frustrated with conventional medicine and want viable alternatives that addresses the root causes and not treat just the symptoms. An encouraging read of where medical trends are heading towards.
I highly recommend for everyone that is interested about the future of medicine.A super interesting way to analyze and improve solutions for the health care services.
Fantastic, practical insights into what is, has been, and will be the (r)evolution of integrative/functional HEALTHcare. Thank you, James. My kindle is full of noted to review.
A Call to Action and Roadmap for Physicians Looking for a Better Way
A succinct and powerful call to action and introductory roadmap for physicians looking for a more effective and gratifying way of practicing medicine through rebooting the system by using Functional Medicine. A review of how far we've come and where we need to go next - and valuable tips on how to get there.
This book is for medical providers and is more of an extra-long, "how-to" brochure for transitioning into practicing functional medicine. It contains many references for where to go to get more information. There was quite the repetition of information. I did glean a bit from it and it wasn't a total waste of time, but there could have been some better editing and consolidation of ideas.
I think I expected a roadmap or a reproducible system, but What is actually present is a few success stories and loose ideas about a reproducible system. This book is not enough to cause a revolution in medicine.