Before further consideration of the Mediter-ranean diet, you should know a little about my background and credentials. I have been practicing Internal Medicine since 1981, when I graduated from medical school at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Internal Medicine involves the diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of adults. Since 2003, I have been a member of the clinical faculty at Midwestern University, Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine. For the first 16 years of my career, I was an office-based primary care physician. I continue to practice medicine full-time, for the last six years as a hospitalist in the Phoenix, Arizona, metropolitan area. Hospitalists diagnose and treat patients in the hospital setting only. In a typical day, I might see heart attacks, strokes, out-of-control diabetes, pneumonia, skin infections, broken hips, chest or abdominal pain, severe high blood pressure, kidney failure, and urinary tract infections. As you might imagine, I have been working with overweight and obese patients for the duration of my clinical practice. Excess weight contributes to disability, disease, and premature death. I am absolutely convinced that better diet and lifestyle choices can help individuals—overweight or not—live longer, healthier lives.
All matters regarding your health require supervision by a personal physician or other appropriate health professional familiar with your current health status. Always consult your personal physician before making any dietary or exercise changes.
