Currently our healthcare system is based on the almost exclusive use of pharmaceuticals. Nutrition is not taught in medical schools, and this significantly limits the options that doctors might consider for patients. Pharmaceuticals will always be important, especially in acute care, but for chronic illness, nutritional interventions should be a cornerstone of our healthcare system. The priority should be to treat the cause not just the symptoms.
“Ultimately, medicine has a single aim: to relieve human suffering. When measured against this benchmark, different therapies can be seen as either effective or ineffective rather than `orthodox’ or `unorthodox’. No single professional group has ownership of health, and the best healthcare requires a multidisciplinary approach. Thus, there is an imperative for all healthcare professionals to work together for the benefit of their patients and the wider community”
Professor Marc Cohen MD PhD – Australasian Integrative Medicine Assoc.
Patient choice is a cornerstone of a functional health system because it empowers individuals to actively participate in their own care. When patients have the freedom to choose their providers, treatment options, and healthcare pathways, they are more likely to feel a sense of ownership and engagement in the process. This leads to better communication, improved adherence to treatment plans, and ultimately better health outcomes. Respecting patient autonomy also supports the ethical foundation of healthcare, reinforcing dignity, respect, and trust between patients and providers.
Moreover, enabling patient choice promotes competition and innovation within the healthcare system. When providers strive to meet patient preferences, it encourages higher standards of care, more responsive services, and a greater focus on patient satisfaction. It also allows for more personalized care, as patients can seek out providers who align with their values, needs, and cultural expectations. A system that supports informed choice not only respects individual rights but also fosters continuous improvement, efficiency, and equity in healthcare delivery.