Medical Detectives: Art & Science of Diagnosis

Diagnosis, as you’ll read in the articles in this issue, is the process of determining the “why” behind pain and illness. However, as Dr. Charles Ferzli points out, diagnosis is much more than arriving at a label. It is an exacting, challenging process, made even more so because many (most?) illnesses have multiple and overlapping causes. The “why” of illness is often obscured when the interrelationships are misunderstood and/or when the symptoms stem from simply the top layer of illness rather than deeper causes.

Science and art blend in every step of this process. Tests and technological advances provide the science—a foundation of data to inform the process. The art, as dermatologist Dr. Gregory Wilmoth points out, comes from the ability “to see clearly and toaccurately interpret what we see.” Arriving at a diagnosis—the “label”—is not the ultimate goal; it begins the healing process. And, as our contributing practitioners point out, the diagnostic process continues, as they evaluate treatment options, patient response, and even the diagnosis itself. Enjoy!

Diagnosing TMJ and Sleep Issues: More Than a Label
Charles Ferzli, DDS, FAACP
TMJ & SLEEP THERAPY CENTRE OF RALEIGH-DURHAM

Diagnosing Skin Cancer: The Art of Seeing Clearly
Gregory Wilmoth, MD
SOUTHERN DERMATOLOGY & SKIN CANCER CENTER

Making Sense of Your Medications: Your Pharmacist Can Be Your Guide
Jennifer Burch, PharmD, and Frank Frenduto, MD
CENTRAL PHARMACY & CENTRAL COMPOUNDING CENTER

Many Options for Rejuvenation: What is Right for You?
Cynthia Gregg, MD, FACS
CYNTHIA GREGG FACE & BODY SPECIALISTS

Dental Health Through a Holistic Lens
Carl McMillan, DMD, ND
HOLISTIC DENTAL CENTERS

Medications That Work in a Toxic World
Zoe Stefanadis, RPh
CHAPEL HILL COMPOUNDING PHARMACY

Puzzling Symptoms? It Might Be a Job for Mold Detectives
William Dolch
CERTIFIED INDOOR AIR, INC.

The Art and Science of Reshaping Our Beliefs
Lucy Chartier, PhD, NP, APRN-BC
LIFE QUALITY RESOURCES

More Than a Grade: Authentic Learning Assessment
Katherine Scott, MA
CAROLINA FRIENDS SCHOOL