Mendelsohn, Robert S. Confessions of a Medical Heretic. Contemporary Books, 1979.

As a sixteen-year-old who’s keen on staying fit and pretty sceptical about mainstream medicine, I found Dr. Robert S. Mendelsohn’s Confessions of a Medical Heretic both eye-opening and entertaining. Dr. Mendelsohn, a seasoned pediatrician, doesn’t hold back in this 1979 book, taking aim at the medical establishment with a hefty dose of sarcasm.

Dr Mendelsohn argues that many medical interventions might be more harmful than helpful. He questions routine surgeries, the overuse of prescription drugs, and the impersonal nature of hospital care. One reviewer even likened him to a ’70s Larry David, full of “downright zingers” that are both true and wise. For instance, he suggests treating doctors with the same caution as “second-hand car salesmen.”

Key Takeaways:

• Scepticism Toward Medical Practices: Dr Mendelsohn highlights how some standard medical procedures might be more about tradition and profit than actual patient well-being. He encourages readers to critically assess the necessity of recommended treatments.
• Caution with Pharmaceuticals: Aligning with my belief in avoiding unnecessary drugs, Dr Mendelsohn discusses the potential dangers of over prescription and the side effects that often come with medications. As one reviewer noted, he exposes how modern medicine can sometimes resemble a religion, with its own set of unquestioned beliefs.
• Empowerment Through Knowledge: The book emphasizes the importance of patient education, advocating for individuals to take an active role in their healthcare decisions rather than just going along with what they’re told. Dr. Mendelsohn insisted that patients have the right to know about the risks of their treatments and medications.

While Dr Mendelsohn is critical of many aspects of modern medicine, he doesn’t dismiss the field entirely. He calls for a more patient-centred approach, where medical interventions are used wisely, and natural health practices are respected. This resonates with my own approach to health—valuing fitness, good nutrition, and a healthy lifestyle over quick pharmaceutical fixes.

It’s worth mentioning that Dr Mendelsohn’s personal beliefs, especially regarding topics like abortion, birth control, and sex for purposes other than reproduction, might come across as a bit old-fashioned or “fundamentalist” to some readers. While I agree that recreational drugs and most pharmaceutical products are best avoided, I don’t see any reason to condemn consensual sex, especially by me and with people as good-looking as I am.

Confessions of a Medical Heretic is a thought-provoking read that challenges the blind trust often placed in the medical establishment. Dr Mendelsohn’s insights encourage readers to take control of their health through informed choices and a critical look at medical advice. For those who, like me, are sceptical of mainstream medical practices and value personal health autonomy, this book offers valuable perspectives.