This is a key consideration that I believe completely embodies where I think the health industry is fundamentally broken. Much of what we believe, the decisions we make and positions we take in health are shaped by perspectives, biases, and incomplete information. Understanding this is crucial for anyone navigating the health industry.
“Just because you are right, does not mean I am wrong. You just haven’t seen life from my side.”
The reality of this couldn’t be more true — specifically in the health industry. I sit in hyperbaric meetings every week and hear people talk about the benefits, the evidence, the results. Then I switch to social media and hear doctors say it’s a scam, it doesn’t work, there’s no evidence. Both sides are convinced they’re right. And to be fair, from their perspective and experience — they both are.
This isn’t unique to HBOT. It’s everywhere. Nutrition science is a battleground. Mental health treatment is a minefield. Even sleep science has camps that disagree on fundamental recommendations.
The right approach is to stay curious and keep learning. If we dig in our heels and refuse to look at the other side, we stop growing. We stop learning. We stop helping.
My approach in this health profession has, and will continue to, stay well within the scientific evidence. I’m a big believer in the evidence, but also acknowledge that some of the best treatments and interventions started as something that was considered crazy, wrong, or dangerous.
The takeaway? Stay open. Read widely. Listen to people you disagree with. You don’t have to change your mind, but you should always be willing to consider that there might be another angle you haven’t explored yet.
Being wrong isn’t a failure — it’s an opportunity to get closer to the truth.