Athletes, who consistently push their physical limits, need sound information and advice to make intelligent decisions about their health. There may be no way to satisfy the needs and goals of all groups, but physicians must always remember that the primary responsibility and first priority is the health and safety of our patients. The interests of attorneys and insurance carriers should never influence our pursuit of this priority. As physicians, we must never relinquish our leadership in determining the significance, validity, and applicability of clinical recommendations. Dr Roberts referred to the great chefs, and, again, I disagree with his opinion.
Great chefs know how different meats, vegetables, sauces, and spices blend.
By applying this knowledge, they create in much the same way as any artist. These great chefs write cookbooks for less gifted cooks. Physicians should strive to use their knowledge to think and create as artists, and not resort to painting by numbers. The practice guidelines that have been adopted by our family practice group were written by physicians in an attempt to make routine what is really routine. The variability in care from region to region and physician to physician is common knowledge among patients.