Whilst medication can often seem the solution to a vast array of ailments, Dr Jim Huddy GP gave our aspiring medical family an eye-opening insight into the issues surrounding “overdiagnosis” and what he outlines as an endemic overdependence on painkillers.
Dr Huddy divides his time between two medical professions; as a GP of Perranporth Surgery, and also a hospital specialist, working in the Endoscopy Department at Treliske. Throughout his career, he has encountered countless cases of “overdiagnosis” which not only encroaches on patients’ wellness but can sometimes do a lot of harm.
The issue was really brought home by one of Dr Huddy’s patients, Rhiannon, who joined the packed lecture hall to talk about the negative effect strong painkilling drugs had on her life and her journey from chronic pain to recovery with the help of the medical specialist.
With a call for modern medicine to place patient wellbeing at its heart, Dr Huddy urged medical professionals and the physicians of the future to think carefully before they prescribe and consider that whilst “pain is inevitable – suffering is optional”.
Head of STEM, Mr Jon Dean said: “Dr Huddy’s talk was a fascinating start to this year’s programme of evening lectures and has certainly left everyone with a lot of ponder on. Lectures like this encourage our girls to think critically and formulate opinions on the latest medical theories which really helps them stand out from the crowd come university interview time.
“Standards for applying to study medicine are incredibly high so we are keen to create an environment where our pupils have the opportunity to gain unique medical experience and get a real feel for what the profession will ask of them. By offering the chance to become part of a medical family of specialists, academics and leading professionals, we aim to inspire and fully prepare our young women to fulfil their dreams of becoming the next generation of medics.”
Our Aspiring Medics Programme aims to support those pupils with career aspirations in the fields of medicine, dentistry and veterinary science. Through a tailored calendar of lectures, workshops, mentoring and one-to-one support from experts in the field, we aim to best prepare our pupils to pursue their career aspirations and gain places on their chosen university courses.
