From a one-size-fits-all approach to a more personalized strategy, promising treatments uniquely effective for each patient seem like the clear way forward. While precision medicine holds immense promise for the future of health, how far can the integration of ‘modern’ medicine change the lives of millions? We touched base with Dr. Mike Stone to find out:
The clock strikes midnight. Sweat beads roll down Dr. Mike Stone‘s forehead as he floats from charting to procedures to suturing – and little do we know, his eight-hour overnight shift in the Emergency Department has just begun.
With 40 patients often waiting outside during a busy Emergency Department shift, the Chief Medical Officer at Wild Health and founder of Nexus Medicine admits that while his purpose to help others remained true during his years as an ER doctor, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that, in reality, on average, he’d spend less than five minutes with a patient.
Fast-forward 20 years in the field, and these generalized figures in today’s Western medical landscape are still causing various stakeholders to experience a substantial level of vexation.
“The unfortunate reality is that even though I probably cared for 50,000 patients throughout my ER career,” he starts off, “I still felt frustrated with a lack of time to connect with my patients – let alone address the root causes and underlying issues that would bring 90% of them back.”
“We’re not going to solve this problem until we shift from our wait-to-get-sick model to a keep-you-from-getting-sick one.”
The Western healthcare system may have its strengths, as it is often hailed for its advanced technology, rigorous clinical trials, and evidence-based treatments. However, in today’s world, the current ‘one-size-fits-all’ model is no longer cutting edge.
Why?
Because, the emerging field of precision medicine considers individual differences at multiple levels. From genetics and lifestyle to the environment in which we live, addressing factors that could significantly influence our health outcomes.
“There may not be a clear path forward, but we have a much better opportunity to solve this today than we did five years ago,” he smiles. Although the future of healthcare is poised to undergo a severe transformation, unfortunately, “it takes, on average in the United States, 15 years for anything new to become standard practice.”
“Nobody’s been doing personalized precision medicine, concierge primary care style medicine, for more than 5 years or so,” says Dr. Stone. “Some people have been doing it longer, but it hasn’t bubbled into the popular consciousness until the last few years. But the institution of medicine, as a whole, moves at a glacial pace.”
Aiming to shape the next generation of medicine, Dr. Stone’s concierge precision medicine care seeks to fill this gap and provide a more personalized prescription for the right patient.
Dubbed ‘conscious medicine,’ his practice ensures that “every highly successful client moves beyond the limitations of traditional healthcare and longevity medicine to achieve their most vibrant and fulfilling lives today.”
“The type of medicine I practice is informed by the patient’s goals, genetics, epigenome, specific nutritional predilections – and tailoring a plan around a holistic plan, sleep, nutrition, training, connection, contemplative practice, stress, resiliency … all based on an individual’s preferences and characteristics.”
Besides this, what truly sets his practice apart from others is the emphasis on living in the present moment, experiencing joy, fostering genuine communication and connection with patients, and recognizing that medicine can be a community event rather than just a patient-doctor interaction. This approach helps patients feel genuinely alive.
When it comes to transformation, it’s clear that we live in this cyclical environment. “We’re built to be in tune with nature and have these stress and recovery periods,” shares Dr. Stone. “This sort of holistic approach is a key component.”
Today, many patients are experiencing a more balanced, empowered, and practical approach to health and wellness thanks to these precision methods. “But as they become more integrated into more conventional healthcare systems, we still need to continue demonstrating with prospective longitudinal research that this improves patient outcomes.”
Currently, solid and compelling evidence strongly supports the effectiveness and potential of precision medicine, therefore putting pressure on legislators to embed this method into the insurance model in the United States.
“We conducted a prospective study with 800 patients and found that we reduced diabetes markers by over 50% without medication. This could significantly impact a population in terms of dollars saved if 50% fewer people had diabetes. It’s quite remarkable,” he adds.
So, what does the future of healthcare look like?
“Instead of fearing and planning for the future, why not focus directly on what makes you the healthiest right now? Focus on getting the most joy out of life because here’s a secret – no one knows how long we have left! So if you’re ready to lean in with compassionate accountability, we’re here to support you,” he concludes.
To learn more about how Dr. Stone and his team are turning the Western healthcare system on its head, visit Nexus Medicine or the Wild Health website for more information.
