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Why Mayo?
The Mayo Clinic didn't just provide medical care; they restored my hope. For years, I fought a dual battle: one against epilepsy and another against an insurance company that blocked my path to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville. It was a bittersweet irony that only after being placed on permanent disability was I finally able to join the 'Mayo family.'
The difference was immediate. At Mayo, I wasn't a diagnosis or a case number; I was a human being with agency over my own future. My doctors provided more than just the latest insights on medication regimes—they offered a partnership. Through their specialized programs for chronic conditions, I discovered that I had been previously misdiagnosed, over-medicated, and that a secondary condition had been completely overlooked by others.
You only have to walk through the doors of a Mayo campus to know you are in a place where the human connection still matters. Has anyone else experienced this kind of transformative care?
The attached photo is of the Mayo Jacksonville Campus from MayoClinic.com
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@Hello Dan,
What's going to happen to that human connection as AI rolls out? I'm afraid people will become overly reliant on it. I know a man who thinks it's the greatest thing since sliced bread, I think it's the worst thing.
But I'll be dead so I hopefully won't have to deal with it or listen to humans say, well, the computer says, the computer says you had a knee replacement, no you live here. I believe AI is going to make things worse.
Take care,
Jake
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1 ReactionI've been with Mayo in Jax going on 20 years. Just visited for my annual MRI late October. They are top notch. Congratulations on your new diagnosis and I believe they'll get it right.
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3 Reactions@dannoyes
Thank you for starting this discussion and sharing what makes your Mayo experience so special.
Having a doctor who treats you as a partner—not just another patient—really is a game-changer. For a long time, my care felt "protocol-first" rather than "person-first," so I deeply understand what you're describing.
My current doctor doesn't just listen; he values my perspective and makes space for real conversation. Our appointments often run over an hour because he wants to understand not only my symptoms but also my questions, concerns, and fears. That approach gives me such comfort and strength—I don't feel alone in this journey.
It sounds like you've found that same kind of care at Mayo. I'm so happy you're experiencing this!
Looking back, what advice would you give to someone still fighting for access to this kind of care?
Chris
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2 Reactions@jakedduck1 thank you for sharing your perspectives on AI. As someone who lives in this space, I can see the dangers of over-reliance, but I also see the many benefits it can provide, especially for those of us with complex medical conditions. Where I have been advocating is for clinicians to host seminars with their patients to discuss the responsible use of AI. People will be using AI moving forward, and it is far different than Dr. Google, which means patients need to understand how it can be used properly and ethically. For example, if you have ChatGPT on a family computer you share with multiple family members, the tool sees only one single blended relationship. This can lead to confusion and "misinformation" that the average user may not understand.
This is why I am so focused on my next book being about how patients can use AI responsibly, together with their specialists. Also, the other big thing is to ask your providers whether they use AI in decisions about your care, and if so, how it is being used. Mayo has really led the way with this, making the use of AI very transparent. This stands in stark contrast with many of our local providers.
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