Do Doctors Ever Follow Their Own Advice?

Imagine a caring and conscientious surgeon, a good friend, who had a notably healthy person in his practice. During a follow-up visit, the patient asked what she needed to do to improve her health. The surgeon, being honest and direct, bluntly replied, “Well, Mable (a fictional name), you’re too damn fat.” Mable’s immediate and witty response was, “Maybe so, Doc, but at least I don’t have DickDo disease.” He then clarified, “That’s when your belly sticks out more than your dick does.” Laughter ensued, and he admitted, “Got me!”

Haha! We are the most doubtful people because we have seen it before and before. The truth is, doctor or not, they are human, just like the rest of us. They often do things they shouldn’t, like driving too fast, not resting enough, or drinking and still smoking. That’s why, no matter how brilliant a doctor is, they should have an objective doctor themselves, just to keep them on track.

The saying, “Physician, heal thyself” ring true. Doctors, like many other people, struggle to follow their own advice. They might provide the best possible advice to their patients on how to live a healthy life, but they’re not always as perfect as the advice they give.

Am I a Role Model?

Yes, I do follow my own advice, both on a daily and a regular basis. I can’t really speak about what other physicians do or don’t do, but I monitor my exercise levels and walk 5-10 miles a day. I closely track my daily sleeping behavior and nocturnal oxygen levels because of a tendency for sleep apnea. I keep a close eye on my weight and food intake, maintaining a balanced diet with a current BMI of 27 (not bad for a 72-year-old but not ideal). I take dietary supplements to maintain health and appropriate metabolic parameters.

I avoid caffeine and only consume tea. I abstain from alcohol completely. My diet is low in animal meats, except for fish, and I avoid starchy foods like potatoes, rice, and bread. I read and write on a daily basis, listen to music every day, and practice physical hobbies like gardening. I rarely watch TV. My major weakness, coming from my current retired position in a semi-rural setting, is a lack of sociability. I have no pets either, but I am a dedicated bird person.

Doctors often find themselves in a challenging position, where they must not only adhere to their own advice but also provide sound medical guidance to others. Whether it's maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing stress, or adhering to a proper diet, doctors are just as human as their patients. This paradoxical nature makes the profession both challenging and rewarding. It reinforces the importance of having a healthy, balanced life to better serve others.