Customer Reviews

Confessions of a Medical Heretic

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3 star:		(3)
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1 star:		(2)

 

 

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The idea behind this book can be ascertained from its title. The word "confession" means to admit. What the late Dr. Robert Mendelsohn does is to admit truths about what he calls the "Church of Modern Medicine." A "heretic" is a person who professes to heresy. A heresy is any opinion opposed to established doctrines.

Thus, Mendelsohn in his book tells us truths and his opinions (based on his excellent qualifications) regarding orthodox medicine. His opinions are angry ones. (I'd be angry too if I spent my entire life in orthodox medicine only to discover that it is not what it claims to be.) Like anyone who is angry, the author occasionally goes off on tangents but overall he sticks to the main premise of the book.

What is the premise of this book? Mendelsohn tells us this immediately in the book's opening section called the "Non Credo." He states, "I do not believe in modern medicine. I am a medical heretic. My aim of this book is to persuade you to become a heretic, too." (Notice, that contrary to popular belief, the premise of this book is not to tell you to stop seeing your doctor.)

Each chapter (there are nine) of this book has many truths. These truths are not out-of-date and will probably remain relevant into the far future. Here are just three examples:

1) "Every drug stresses and hurts your body in some way."
2) "A healthy society is characterized by strong, positive family relationships and subsequent minimal need of doctors."
3) "Doctors are not trained to attack the core of any problem, merely to suppress symptoms."

Sometimes, the author juxtaposes two truths to make a point. My favorite: "All their [that is, doctors'] intentions may be good, but we all know what the road to Hell is paved with."

What I really noticed about this book is the author's strong opinions. Here, again, are three examples:

1) "Doctors in general should be treated with the same degree of trust as used-car salesmen."
2) "When I meet a doctor, I generally figure I'm meeting a person who is narrow-minded, prejudiced, and fairly incapable of reasoning and deliberation."
3) "Get used to the idea right away that no single system can or should claim to have an exclusive fix on the dynamics of health."

There is even discussion about non-drug medicine. Mendelsohn states, "In the Church of Modern Medicine, the doctor who treats without drugs is regarded as a heretic because he or she appears to have rejected the sacrament of medication." Today, orthodox medicine calls such people "quacks." One of the people they call a quack, the author mentions, is Dr. Linus Pauling because he wanted to treat without drugs. The late Linus Pauling was a two-time Nobel Prize winner. Question: What gives orthodox medicine the right to call such a brilliant person a quack? His credentials prove otherwise.

The book's last section is called, "Epilog: In search of the New Doctor." It is an interesting section where Mendelsohn gives his vision of the doctor of the future. This vision has yet to be achieved and my guess is, it will never be achieved.

The only problem I had with this book is the lack of footnotes with respect to specific numbers and statistics. When statistics are given, you have to give credit to their source. However, Mendelsohn does supply many references.

Another good book on this subject that is less opinionated is "The Medical Mafia" (1995) by Dr. Guylaine Lanctot. I think this title is a good indicator of its contents.

In conclusion, Dr. Robert Mendelsohn's book does a good job in exposing the truths behind orthodox medicine. These truths are what you and your family should know for their own protection. I strongly recommend this book if you want to become aware of these truths.

**** 1/2

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"A hospital is like a war" Here you have it from a doctor who has been there and done that. As he describes the things that go on in a hospital it is amazing that anyone comes out alive. It does not surprise we when they are several people I personally know who have gotten very ill in a hospital from something COMPLETELY unrelated to why they entered. This book needs to be read by all.

This book confirmed many things that I had already known or suspected about the practice of medicine. I really liked how the author dug into the philosophical aspects of doctor/patient relationships: the absolute power we give them. And it was neat to find someone -- a doctor even -- who agreed with my perception that doctors have their own secret language which protects their knowledge (their power) and wouldn't you know, it's LATIN. (If you're a devout Catholic be forewarned.) But best of all, this book is absolutely hilarious. You might as well keep your sense of humor in all of this, and I found myself laughing out loud as I read.

I read this book a long time ago, but have never forgotten it. For anyone who has doubts about the benevolence of the AMA, pharmaceutical companies and the allied health industries or has suffered from drug interactions, side effects, long-term effects, misadiagnoses, botched treatments, apathy or arrogance on the part of medical providers, this book is MUST reading. This is one of the first mainstream books to address these issues and to suggest alternative treatments.

This book is a must for everyone interested in promoting and preserving good health. Sadly, instead of educating the public in proper nutrition, focusing on disease prevention measures, and researching, studying and promoting the use of effective natural cures, the far removed from nature western medical establishment is indoctrinated into subscribing and relying entirely on pharmaceutical drugs, many of which are ineffective and produce debilitating, dangerous and sometimes lethal side effects.

The cruel reality is that the self serving pharmaceutical drug companies with the assistance of the FDA suppress information and access to healing herb remedies and natural cures in order to keep the public ignorant and completely dependent on their profitable patented drugs. Have cancer? They will make sure you have no other choice but to buy their highly expensive, minimally effective poisonous drugs combined with maiming medical surgical procedures.

The pharmaceutical industry will do everything possible to protect their profits and make us stay away from any natural cures such as the Alpha Omega Lab's "Cansema" herb combination treatment which effectively cured cancer in thousands of people including my mother.

Pharmaceutical companies and their well paid partner, the FDA, will promptly accuse those natural healers and God sent angels of quackery and will see to it that anyone who offers effective natural cures will face swift persecution and unjust prosecution. If interested, you can read the full story of the original Cansema and the unwarranted FDA raid of Alpha Omega Labs posted by Chris Gupta on the web.

There is no doubt there are quacks to watch out for in this world, but make no mistake, there is no quack larger than the pharmaceutical conglomerate. The suppressed and hidden truth is that the effective (and inexpensive) cures for ALL deceases are available out there in nature, right now. With a little ingenuity and persistence, open minded regular folks can do their own research and educate themselves with printed material available in libraries, bookstores and the internet.

Thanks to the loving work of angels walking the earth - people of good will among us, anyone can find out about effective and inexpensive natural cures for cancers, degenerative diseases and chronic ailments. But be warned, don't expect your personal physician to support you on this life saving task. Most physicians although well intended are brainwashed. Many are so vested on pharmaceuticals they are completely unaware of and against natural healing substances and will understandably dismiss their effectiveness as quackery. A selected few are wise enough to break the binds of a hostile and intimidating system, but only the "holy and holistic" ones like Robert Mendelsohn are courageous enough to blow the whistle so that you and I can save ourselves and the people we love who will listen.

This is a MUST READ book for every person who is interested in optimum health. Dr. Mendelsohn exposes the medical monopoly that limits our choices. This book is an excellent start because it reveals the manipulation and fear that is used by medical practioners. This book has the potential to open your mind and help you start questioning "procedures" and seek alternative choices. Dr. Mendelsohn, as a teacher in a medical school with excellent credentials, disarms the medical mystique. You also may want to read Male Practice by Robert Mendelsohn and What Doctor's Don't tell you by Lynne McTaggert.

I read this book a long time ago and have recently picked it up again. I'm impressed at how true to life the pictures it presents still are. It should be read by everyone thinking about entering the medical profession, as it provides a very critical poit of view about what is taught and practiced in hospitals.

I definitely disagree with all of those bad reviews. I agree 100% that the body has the ability to heal itself and that virtually nothing a doctor "sells" you can help your body heal itself. Let's face it, the medical and pharmaceutical industry is a business. They live off of people getting sick. Now that we know the truth, we can stop this monopoly once and for all.

I've read a lot of books on health in my life and this is of the best. If you want to know how to avoid some of the dirty tricks doctors pull, you've got to study this one. Most diseases are self-limiting, but your doctor won't tell you that. He'll drug and cut you in a heart beat. Another good series of books are by Joel Wallach, Herbert Shelton and Cass Igram. The state of medicine today is as bad or worse than it was 20 years ago. Do youself a favor and get this book.

Good book. A little outdated, but an excellent resource if you are beginning your research on alternative medicines. I recommend this book especially to those who are wondering if there really is another way besides the modern medical movement.

Dr. Mendelsohn is a champion of homebirth. I have had a homebirth and plan to have the rest of my children at home. He gives an excellent argument for the pros of this seemingly pioneer practice.