I have dedicated most of my professional life to uncovering the true reasons behind illness and disease, as well as what actually leads to healing. Despite studying and practicing medicine for years, I realized that traditional medical training only provided me with a partial answer to these questions. This realization led me to delve into the field of spontaneous remission research, a largely unexplored area that most medical professionals tend to overlook.
Spontaneous remissions, deemed as abnormal occurrences by the medical community, have been a focal point of my research for the past 17 years. While many doctors view these cases as anomalies and fail to investigate further, a select few of us are dedicated to understanding why certain individuals are cured from seemingly incurable diseases, sometimes without any conventional medical intervention. Are these remissions truly spontaneous, or do these patients possess certain habits and behaviors that the rest of us can learn from?
Just like how high achievers in various fields exhibit distinct behaviors that set them apart from the average individual, I believe that individuals who experience radical remissions from severe illnesses also display unique qualities worth studying. Instead of dismissing these outliers, why not approach them with the same curiosity and rigor as we do with other exceptional cases? It may be uncomfortable for some doctors to accept that patients can heal without their direct involvement, but it is crucial to explore these instances to expand our understanding of health and wellness.
Fortunately, there is a growing community of curious doctors, like myself, who are eager to unravel the mysteries of what truly influences human health. Through the Whole Health Medicine Institute, I have been training healthcare providers and therapists to embrace a holistic approach to medicine, delving into areas that have been overlooked in traditional medical education. If you are interested in learning more about our program and becoming certified, enrollment for the Class of 2025 is now open.
During my medical practice, I witnessed a shift in my understanding of what factors contribute to health and illness when I transitioned to working with more privileged populations. Contrary to common assumptions about health disparities, I encountered individuals who appeared to lead healthy, conscientious lifestyles yet struggled with multiple chronic conditions. This realization prompted me to expand my assessment protocols and delve deeper into aspects of my patients’ lives that were often dismissed in traditional medical settings.
By exploring the impact of relationships, purpose, trauma, spirituality, and personal agency on health outcomes, I discovered that many patients possessed a deep intuitive knowledge of the actions they needed to take to improve their well-being. Their candid responses to probing questions revealed profound insights into the underlying issues affecting their health. Those who had the courage to act on this internal wisdom often experienced remarkable improvements in their health, challenging conventional notions of medical miracles.
My research aligns with the work of renowned psychiatrist Jeffrey Rediger, who has dedicated years to studying individuals who have defied medical odds by recovering from severe illnesses. Our collaborative efforts have shed light on the importance of self-protective behaviors, setting boundaries, and addressing past trauma in promoting healing and well-being. Together, we are working on a forthcoming book that explores the complex interplay between caregiving dynamics, narcissistic relationships, and physical health outcomes, slated for release in February 2025.
