A Better Way to Practice Medicine: Shifting from Disease Management to True Prevention

Dr. Shover MD. A focus on personal healthcare

The Current Healthcare Model: Focus on Disease Management 

The universal medical healthcare model primarily focuses on managing diseases after they arise. Pharmaceuticals are the first line of defense, with surgical intervention reserved as a last resort. While this approach can be effective for treating existing conditions, it often neglects a critical aspect of healthcare: preventing the core causes of disease. 

Currently, preventive medicine in America largely consists of disease surveillance rather than true prevention. Although annual cancer screenings are common, they monitor for disease rather than prevent it. These measures are important, but they do not tackle the primary causes of mortality in the U.S., such as heart disease, which remains the leading killer, followed by cancer, strokes, and other chronic conditions, far outranking infectious diseases. During the typical 15-minute doctor's visit, health metrics like blood pressure and cholesterol are monitored, and medications might be prescribed to manage heart disease risk. However, this approach focuses more on managing risk factors rather than preventing the onset of these conditions. How does this equate to prevention? 

The Limits of Current Preventive Measures 

Annual screenings and lab tests play a vital role in monitoring health, but they do not equate to true prevention for conditions like heart disease and cancer. For example, cancer screenings detect cancer after it has already developed—they are tools for surveillance, not prevention. Similarly, standard lab tests often rely on population-based metrics, which may not account for an individual’s unique risk factors. 

This one-size-fits-all approach fails to address the root causes of disease, leaving patients vulnerable to preventable conditions. To truly improve health outcomes, we need a paradigm shift toward personalized, preventive care. 

A Better Approach: Personalized Medicine Based on Genetics 

A more effective way to practice medicine begins with understanding each patient’s unique genetic blueprint.  By evaluating a patient’s DNA, family history, and past medical issues, a physician can identify potential risk factors for diseases like heart disease, cancer, or cognitive decline. This allows for more targeted interventions that optimize health before problems arise. 

For example, genetic profiling can reveal specific markers of concern, such as predisposition to high cholesterol or inflammation. Combined with regular lab tests, these insights enable physicians to create tailored plans that address risks proactively. This contrasts sharply with the current model, which relies on generic metrics and annual checkups that often miss early warning signs. 

The Power of Time and Education 

Personalized medicine requires more than a 15-minute office visit or a 30-minute annual checkup. True prevention often involves lifestyle changes, such as improving diet, managing stress, or increasing physical activity. However, these changes are more likely to succeed when a physician takes on a mentorship role, educating patients about their risks and empowering them to make informed decisions. 

When patients understand the gravity of their risk factors and the reasoning behind recommendations, they are more likely to embrace lasting change. This collaborative approach fosters trust and accountability, leading to better health outcomes. 

Rooting Out the True Causes of Disease 

At Personalized Restorative Medicine of East Tennessee, we believe every patient’s health journey is unique.  Using your genetic blueprint, we identify risks at every stage of life and uncover the root causes of disease. Our doctor spends time with you monthly, reviewing your health systems, explaining what your risks mean, and guiding you on how to address them. 

Whether you have a family history of heart disease, concerns about cognitive decline after 60, or multiple chronic conditions managed by your primary care physician, we work alongside your existing care team. Together, we create a personalized health program designed to optimize your health. 

Take Control of Your Health 

Your health is too important for a one-size-fits-all approach. At Personalized Restorative Medicine of East Tennessee, we’re committed to a better way to practice medicine—one that prioritizes prevention, personalization, and partnership. Let us help you root out the true causes of disease and build a healthier future. Contact us today to start your journey.