This past Monday, Republican U.S. Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin held a panel discussion titled, COVID 19: A Second Opinion. He was joined by a group of world renowned doctors and medical experts that presented a different perspective on the global pandemic response. They shared their thoughts concerning the current state of knowledge of early and hospital treatment, vaccine efficacy and safety, what went right, what went wrong, what should be done now, and what needs to be considered in the long term.I recommend your listening to this is informative discussion regarding the Covid-19 virus.
In medical terms, a “second opinion” is asking another doctor to review your case. Kathy Katella, writing at YaleMedicine.org, notes the wisdom and importance of getting a second opinion – especially for a major medical decision, “go to a couple of places to be sure you know what you're getting and why.” She cites two studies that affirm the prudence of second opinions.
In 2017, a study showed that 21% of patients who sought a second opinion at the Mayo Clinic left with a completely new diagnosis, and 66% were deemed partly correct, but refined or redefined by the second doctor.
...a 2018 study published in the Annals of Surgical Oncology that found that a second review by a multidisciplinary tumor board at a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center changed the diagnosis for 43% of the 70 patients in the study.Over two years into the Covid-19 pandemic, we see that leading politicians and top medical advisors, possibly backed by pharmaceutical companies, labor consistently and insistently to shut down this common medical practice when it comes to Covid-19. “Believe what I say,” they say. “Can I get a second opinion?” “No way!” they say. “We hold all the keys of knowledge.”
Often those who seem to control the conversation are the “ivory tower” doctors and scientists who deal in theories. Often those trying to get a word in edgewise are the doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals working in the trenches, actually treating people with Covid-19 and having success doing so. Why not include their “second opinions” in the conversations? Unless, perhaps, it is not about solving the problem? If not, why not?
In addition to shutting down second opinions, there are misgivings about “thinking outside the box” regarding a situation that often must answered, if answered honestly, “We don’t know.” Ingenuity, resourcefulness, and the ability to rethink what is and is not working are our friends at such a time as this – not our enemies.
Ultimately, the leaders of the pack have not only sought to squelch freedom of speech, but also fought the freedom of medical second opinions, while striving to restrict innovative thought.
So, take a listen at the linked discussion. See what you think. Let me know what you think.
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