I am a technology enthusiast who has spent decades working at some of the world’s most renowned technology companies, including Microsoft, Yahoo!, and LinkedIn. During that time, technology has dramatically reshaped the way we live. There was a time when watching a TV show meant having to tune in to a specific channel at a specific time. Fast forward to today, and streaming services allow us to watch practically anything, anytime, on just about any device with an internet connection. It’s a level of convenience that past generations might have only dreamed of.  The evolution of shopping follows a similar trajectory. Remember the days of shopping in physical stores, requiring we visit during their business hours and dealing with the uncertainty of finding your desired item in stock? Online shopping has revolutionized this experience. Now, you can find exactly what you’re looking for, order it with a click, and often have it delivered to your doorstep the same day.  Transportation has also transformed. The old days of trying to hail a cab on the street, uncertain of when one might appear and what the fare might be, feel like a bygone era. Today, ride-sharing apps have streamlined the process. You can schedule a ride in advance, know the type of vehicle that will arrive, and have a clear idea of the cost before you even step inside. This shift from a provider-centric to a consumer-centric world has been groundbreaking. Yet, there’s one frontier where this transformation is more myth than reality – healthcare. In healthcare we accept services that don’t address our needs, at the provider’s convenience and at costs that are outrageously expensive. 

In case it’s not obvious, I’ve given some thought to the idea that the consumerization of healthcare is long overdue, so reading Dr. James’ essay resonated deeply with me. Like many, I have my own experiences in dealing with the healthcare system that have left me frustrated and discouraged. I wholeheartedly agree with his assessment that the U.S. healthcare system is adept at addressing acute issues but falls short in treating chronic conditions. It’s even worse at helping people be proactive about managing their health. The “sick care” system that we experience doesn’t support proactive health management and falls woefully short in offering consumers choice. Trillions of dollars are spent annually on healthcare, yet fewer than on quarter of US adults are satisfied with healthcare and we find ourselves constrained by a bureaucracy that excels in preserving the status quo.

In this regard Dr. James’ approach to Biblical Functional Medicine (BFM) is particularly intriguing as it prioritizes the consumer, or patient, first. His approach aligns perfectly with the necessary shift towards the consumerization of healthcare. As someone who visits a naturopathic doctor regularly, I can attest to the fact that I have changed my focus from dealing with chronic issues to optimizing my health. So, while I have considered the advantages of functional medicine in transitioning from a reactive to a proactive healthcare, Dr. James takes it further. He expands the concept to encompass mind, body, and spirit, offering a genuinely holistic approach.

Dr. James’ definition of the cornerstones of health – input, output, recovery, and relationship – presents an intriguing framework that differs from my previous conceptions of health and wellbeing. Before encountering his essay, my approach to being proactive about health was to focus on three key areas: nutrition, exercise, and recovery. However, Dr. James’ approach expands this perspective, abstracting these principles to encompass a broader view that includes not only the physical aspect but also the mind and spirit.

This holistic approach is particularly enlightening as it shifts from a purely physical focus to one that integrates all facets of human existence. Among the concepts introduced by Dr. James, the incorporation of biblical principles, such as the observation of the Sabbath, offers a profound insight. In some ways the essay reminded me of some of the principles described in Jordan Rubin’s Makers Diet (About the Book | The Maker’s Diet Revolution (makersdiet.com)).  The idea that we are created by a maker who has designed us to live a certain way, and that he has shared that plan with us through his Word, really resonates with me.  It underscores for me the idea that the wisdom that has been so integral a part of my life has practical applications that I heretofore overlooked. It is a profound insight that I want to embrace and consciously make part of my health journey.  Additionally, Dr. James’ emphasis on ‘relationship’ as a cornerstone, elevating it to the status of the “chief cornerstone,” is especially thought-provoking. It highlights the importance of connection to one another and our maker in our overall health. This perspective emphasizes the significance of considering individuals in a holistic manner, where mental and spiritual aspects are as crucial as the physical. It encourages a more integrated approach to health, recognizing the interdependency of various aspects of our being.

I love Dr. James’ message.  It is remarkably straightforward and after reading his essay it all seems so obvious.  Yet, it pushed the boundaries of my thinking and left me wanting more.  The problem with healthcare is clear.  Dr. James lays out a compelling blueprint for changing things for a better tomorrow.  That all said, I was left wanting to explore the practical steps of BFM and what I can personally do to be more proactive in managing my health.  I’m hoping Dr. James’ essay is just the first of what will be a series in which we unpack the future of healthcare.

Nick Besbeas has over 20 years of experience in leadership roles at some of the world’s best known and most successful technology brands including Microsoft, Yahoo! and LinkedIn.  With a passion for health and technology, he recently founded fitMetrics, a company dedicated to helping people improve their health and fitness through data.