from Wisconsin Public Radio
A year and a half ago Gary Wolkstein's doctor told him he had cancer of the spine, that it was terminal, and that he had just a few months left to live. Today Gary's in fine health. Not, it wasn't a miracle cure, it was a mistake. In this hour of To the Best of Our Knowledge, the story of Gary Wolkstein's brush with death and what it taught him about the medical establishment. Also, Oliver Sacks on musical therapy and the genetic revolution that's changing the way doctor's prescribe drugs.
Gary Wolkstein tells the incredible story of a mis-diagnosis: his doctor told him he had terminal cancer, but after being challenged by some of Wolkstein's physician friends, changes his mind. Wolkstein talks about living with a death sentence and searching for the truth within the medical establishment.SEGMENT 2:
Richard Weinshilboum teaches pharmacology at the Mayo Clinic. He talks with Steve Paulson about the new thing: pharmaco-genetics, which will enable physicians to make up drugs specifically geared to each patient's metabolism. Also, Oliver Sacks talks with Jim Fleming about the awesome power of music to affect neurological patients. Sacks recalls his "Awakenings" patients, and the time he lost all sensation and even the experience of possessing one of his legs.
Shiva Bidar-Sielaff works as a translator and cultural broker in Wisconsin. She tells Anne Strainchamps that just translating the words isn't enough in the case of patients from different backgrounds and cultures. It's necessary to make sure the doctor understands the cultural beliefs. She gives examples of problems that can arise when dealing with Mexican or Hmong families.Cassette copies are available at 1-800-747-7444. Ask for program number 02-04-07-A.
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