Who's the authority?

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Authority.  In this information world, it's to a practitioners (such as myself) advantage to become the "authority" on any given health condition.  To know more about it than another practitioner and to know it inside out.

But I call bullshit on that.  

Sure I can become an authority on treating women with endometriosis and know exactly what the research says I should do to treat it, the best courses of action to take based on x, y, z symptoms that are common to the condition, and I can get great results, hence giving me the title "authority". 

But do you want to know who I think the real authority is?  I'm sure you've already guessed ; )

You.

You are the actual authority on your health, your condition, your life.  I can tell you what the latest research or best course of treatment is for your condition until I am BLUE IN THE FACE, but I don't have power over you, I don't have the right to give you orders on what to do with your time or your diet or your lifestyle.  Only you do.

My job then?  My job is to provide my knowledge about the condition, which yes may include the best known research for treatment, and to provide you a strategy we can deploy to get you feeling well, but I have no real power.

It's always been yours.

I am just your guide, your cheerleader and your greatest advocate.  

You are the power; you have the power.

Dr. Richelle