It is perplexing, but, I think any professional world changes in the same rythm that our social world changes-slowly with time as people share information. And so many MDs are changes their positions on this problem. However, it will take quite a long time yet for those who are still behind to practice in accordance with thinking or simply for newer, younger doctors with completely different mind sets to get into the new world of medicine and the "older" ones to fade away.

I have seen a huge trend shift in the 18 years I have been practicing in many things, and this shift is mostly positive. It just is exhausting to still have such a lag. Your question is a really good one virus vs bacteria, and yes, this is the first issue. BUT, the second issue is, if it IS bacterial, this does not neccesarily point towards prescription antibiotcs either. I can't tell you over the years the number of infections we have dealt with in the clinic, in our own lives, and amongst our friends. Just last year, our dear friend's child was in Children's Hopsital and they were not saving this poor child. We prescribed herbs that thankfully the parents gave him and it saved him. After that, Boaz was invited to speak at the hospital and asked to participate their in a professional capacity, which, he does not have the time to dedicate to. But, it does speak to the openess that is starting to open up between our two worlds.

These worlds do not need to be separate. The problem is everyone seems to feel threatened by the "other side". In actuality, there does not need to be two sides. It could be one side with different tools. There is also alot of arrogance-perhaps on both sides and I think arrogance is something that has little place when it comes to people suffering.

Lastly, I think it is important to not judge (this is not a statement about you-as I think you are very NON-judgement based). Most people feel as deeply about their medical beliefs as they do their spiritual ones. And, I think this is of utmost importance in deciding what is best for that person in pursuing their health. Many times people are judged or at least burdened with a lot of pressure to go with thinking that they may not subscribe to. I think having great repsect for their personal wishes on how to address their medical issues is fundamental in how advice should be given even when it may not be what the doctor or practitioner her or himself would do. Both sides might be gently offered explaining the thinking behind the pros and cons and then ultimately the choice is left to the person. So, in the case of antibiotics-many people want to turn to traditional antibiotics even though this may not be the "best" course of action. It may be the best course for them. And of course the same goes for other areas of diagnostics and treatment.

I think the best thing is that we have choices. 

Dr.M