Author: Dr. Barry Marmorstein

Imprint: Joshua Tree Publishing

Publication Date: Spring, 2012

As has been stated many times before, the only thing that can be counted on is change. Those of us living at this time have become witness to the fact that change is occurring progressively more rapidly. The medical establishment is obviously embedded in society and is participating fully in rapid change. The inclination is to consider change to be beneficial, which of course it may be. However, in actuality, change is value neutral. What we do as a society with a changing landscape is what will determine whether change is ultimately beneficial or detrimental to humans, and to our earthly home.

I have been witness to fundamental changes within the health care system during the time of my chosen career path. I see the emergence of problems in the delivery of health care which perhaps are still value neutral, but which I believe are trending toward negative outcomes. After all, what doctors are supposed to do is deliver health care. I am disturbed by what I see, and I wish to bring this to the awareness of you, the consumer. Aha!  A timely example of change!  Doctors are no longer termed doctors. We are now “providers.” You are no longer termed “patients.” You are now consumers.

So, as my career drifts relentlessly towards its dusk, I wish to share some thoughts with you and give you a distillation of what I have learned in the past forty-four years since I was anointed with an “MD” degree..