Based on a true story...

The recent discussion on unproven forms of therapy reminded angry doc of this little clinical episode that occurred a while ago ...


Patient: So doc, how's my condition?

angry doc: Actually, your control is worse compared to the last visit. Are you still taking your medicines?

Patient: To be honest, doc, I stopped taking the medicine you gave me and I'm now taking some traditional medicine.

angry doc: I appreciate you being honest with me, but it doesn't seem like this traditional medicine is effective in controlling your condition. Where did you get this medicine from?

Patient: Well, it's from a guy my friend recommended me...

angry doc: Does he operate out of a clinic, or his home?

Patient: He sold them to me during a talk at a hotel function room; says it's a secret formula passed down for generations in his family, and that it's 100% effective for this condition. He said he wasn't selling it for the money, but because he wanted to help patients.

angry doc: I see... and how much did this medicine cost?

Patient: A month's medicine cost $100. You think I've been conned, don't you, doctor?

angry doc: Well, let's just say that if I was out to help as many patients as I could I wouldn't be keeping the formula a family secret.

Patient: So you think he's just doing this for the money?

angry doc: Well, if I had a medicine that is 100% effective for this condition, I certainly wouldn't be selling them out of a hotel function room at $100 a bottle - I'll just sell the formula to some big drug company for $10-million and call it a day.

Patient: I see your point, doc. I guess I'm just too gullible. So what shall we do about my condition?

angry doc: Well, first you can put all your money and jewellery into this plastic bag with these apples here, and don't open the bag until you get home.

Patient: Huh? How's that supposed to help with my blood pressure?

angry doc: Blood pressure? Sorry, I thought you were talking about your gullibility.