By Julie Lasheski
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
Photo by Julie Lasheski
More than 75 percent of all prescription drugs used in the world are being consumed in the United States, even though the country makes up only 5 percent of the population, a prominent doctor said during a speech at Towson University Thursday afternoon.
Mwata Dyson, who graduated with his doctorate in 2000 from the Chicago Medical School, said that rather than automatically giving patients prescription drugs, doctors should get to know their clients first so they are better able to treat them effectively.
Dyson said doctors operate in a “culture of fear.” Professionals are afraid of making a mistake and getting sued, Dyson said, so they often prescribe pharmaceutical medications rather than trying alternative medical procedures.
Dyson, a medical health and wellness expert known nationally for his opinions on today’s health care, said there are many flaws in the system and that future health care professionals can be the ones who make a difference in the years to come.
“One out of every $5 is currently being spent on health care in the United States,” said Dyson, who is an active member of the American College of Nutrition and the National Association of Sports Medicine. “At this rate, that means by 2020 over $6 trillion a year will go toward medical practice and other health related funding.”
This factor is going to change the way the health care system is run, he said. People’s money will be going toward funding doctor’s high volume of drug prescription.
He said the cost of health care is not the only aspect that needs attention, adding that many professionals working in the medical field lack the education and passion they need to be effective healthcare providers.
“People are put in leadership roles that they have not been trained for,” Dyson said. “Health care culture is corrupt in that sense.”
Some in the audience agreed.
“Dr. Dyson is right,” said Zebe Jacobson, a Towson senior majoring in health care management. “I’ve always been taught to use prescription drugs as a last resort, but I know a lot of doctors in today’s society just prescribe them right away.”
In Dyson’s speech, he drew a distinction between success and fulfillment, and he explained why those who are fully invested in the health care industry are, overall, better medical professionals.
“There is a clear distinction between success and fulfillment,” Dyson said. “We tend to focus on success in relations to things we can’t control. To develop fulfillment you must translate your core values into your everyday lives. That way, you build a passion for the industry.”
The audience was filled with a mix of mainly health care profession, health sciences and business majors eager to make the changes mentioned by Dyson in the health care system in America.
The speech was titled “Professional Transitions: Leaving a Legacy” and was held in the university’s West Village Commons by the College of Heath Professions. It was part of the 150th Anniversary Speaker Series at Towson.
“The power of one is so important,” said Lisa Plowfield, the dean of the health college.“Just one person can make a huge impact.”