The following quotes are not exact quotes, but they are an accurate representation of the progression of responses I received as I've worked through a recent/ongoing health challenge. These observations do not in any way detract from the quality of care I ultimately received or the professionalism of those who provided that care.

"We don't know what may cause it, but we think (this)... So no, that is not a factor."

"Based on your description, this sounds like it's probably nothing to worry about; but if it gets worse, call us back, or go to an emergency room."

"Based on your description, this sounds like it's probably nothing to worry about; but if it gets worse, call us back, or go to an emergency room."

"In the future, since it appears your symptoms are stable, before you come to the emergency room you should probably call your doctor's office to see if they want it treated as an emergency."

"You have a 95% blockage in the right coronary artery, and a 75% blockage in another artery. It's a good thing you came in when you did."

"I am impressed that you are so attuned to your body, and you understand what it is telling you."

"You are required to watch this movie, and then I am required to go over these discharge materials, including possible side effects of your medicines, precautions, warning signs, do's and don'ts for when you get home, diet recommendations... ... ... ... ..." (90 minutes later) "... ... ... So, if you have any questions, experience any of the issues we've discussed, or feel the slightest discomfort DO NOT hesitate to call your doctor's office or come to the emergency room."

The litigiously bureaucratic nature of our society has encouraged overly-cautious medical professionals and health-care administrators (including the insurance industry); which in turn has created a slightly-neurotic, health-obsessed public; which in turn has created overworked, jaded medical professionals who only have time for prevailing opinion; and these factors all combined have created a difficult-to-navigate (yet very interesting) dynamic between all parties seeking or providing or administering or paying for or in any way (even peripherally) involved in health care.

This same dynamic can be found in our recent/ongoing "us and them" desire for conformity in teaching and learning.

"We cannot fill in all the gaps, but we believe (this)... So, no, your doubts, thoughts, and questions are not valid."

"This sounds like it is irrelevant, but if your doubts continue, please come back to talk to us, or refer to this book or that expert."

"This sounds like it is irrelevant, but if your doubts continue, please come back to talk to us, or refer to this book or that expert."

"In the future, since it appears your questions are unanswerable and contradictory to our teachings, you should probably refer to this book or that expert, before creating such an uproar."

"You have a significant point in an interesting direction, and you have some valid questions. I agree that it is time we searched for different answers."

"I am impressed that you think outside the box, and that you are open to all possibilities."

"You are required to watch this movie, and then I am required to teach these materials that will instill a sense of respect and empathy for those who are not us."

Yes, this is progress; but we still commonly differentiate between us and them. We must continue to cycle (and I believe we will) until we reach:

"You are required to watch this movie, and I am required to teach this history of humanity, going back to a time when we believed in fractious isolationism and group divisiveness; a time before we recognized and harnessed the power of global interdependence and found a universally-beneficial common ground based on reason."