Just Keep Going

Why You Should Listen To Your Gut, Every Time

''I see a common pattern in my medical practice. I'll get through my intake, trying to understand all the elements of my patient's health: nutrition history, check; medical evaluation, check; stress and lifestyle, check. But something still bothers me. I can't put my finger on it, but my gut tells me there's something more. Out of nowhere, a question hits my lips, and before I know it, the stoic patient in front of me unleashes a flood of tears.

There are so many times when my gut, not my head, has led my decision making, life choices, and business development. There was the time I ordered a test that discovered a patient's prostate cancer way before anyone would even think about it—I know that saved his life. Or the time a patient's name randomly hit my mind, encouraging me to have my nurses follow up—only to find that the patient was struggling. Or the time I passed on what appeared to be an amazing opportunity—to learn later that it had failed.

My gut, in essence, has built my career and my life. Here are five reasons I also tell my patients to listen to their gut:..''

by Dr. Taz Bhatia