Modern Medicine has made great progress in understanding disease and developing life-saving therapies. As best it can Medicine develops disease models. We know that the progressive accumulation of cholesterol in blood vessels contributes to atherosclerosis. The rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque in a coronary artery can cause a sudden heart attack. We know that uncontrolled high blood pressure may lead to a stroke. We have effective medications to control hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol. With all these advantages we should be healthy. But we are not. Something is missing.
When you read medical textbooks they describe a time preceding the onset of disease in which risk factors are present but often ignored. There are "prehypertension", "prediabetic", and "precancerous" states. Each textbook describes lifestyle modifications which if done can postpone or even prevent the onset of illness. In my 30 years of clinical practice my greatest joy has been to treat patients who were willing to participate in their care and make the necessary changes to improve their health. I would congratulate them and call them "medical research associates".
In my experience patients frequently complain of anxiety and depression. There are many tranquillizer and antidepressant medications available. Yet the patients continue to suffer. Even if the medication helps them sleep better and regain their energy they still wrestle with negative thoughts, lack of hope, and little faith. They need to make paradigm shifts in their lives. They need to set goals, seek what is good, and do something to replace worries and fears. The doctor-patient relationship is the therapy. They need to participate in regaining hope and changing their lives for the better.