September 1, 2021
The Choice Is Yours
By: Dr. Kurt Schwieters
There is a lot of chaos around us. What is obvious to some, is not to others. My intention is not to make the chaos worse. I hope what I have to say doesn’t become just another thing to argue about because what I have to say, I would say to any of my patients in the office.
You have to trust someone. It’s not a matter of I’m right or that I can never be wrong. But in the end, you have to trust someone. You pick the person you’re going to go over the mountain with. That’s what my patients and I have as our covenant.
There is a lot of information out there. I don’t think you need to trust me blindly. I can just tell you, like I tell my patients, that I really care about you. If we were together, you could hear in my voice that I care whether you’re going to take an aspirin or not. Whether you’re going to go on Lipitor or not. Or lose 40 pounds, or not.
We’re in a once-in-a-century moment. Once in a lifetime. This might be the time when you trust somebody with a different perspective that is thinking about this for your benefit, instead of how you’re thinking about it. With my patients, we talk about decisions like this in this way:
I’m like an air traffic controller. They’re the pilot of the plane. It’s a balance. We’re a team.
I’m like an air traffic controller. They’re the pilot of the plane. When do you trust the air traffic controller instead of what is right in front of your face? It’s a balance. We’re a team. If you’re the pilot, you don’t give up total control. You always have the choice to listen to me or not, but I’m going to see things differently than you. I don’t see things better than you do – just different. And I have experience with this. You can choose to say, “Yup, air traffic controller, that’s a good idea.” Or you can say, “You know what, I’m going to do it my way.”
Either way, I will never lose you. I will never give up on you.
The question is, “Is the vaccine good?” Don’t get caught up in the argument about what others can tell you to do or not do. It’s not about whether someone is going to make you do it or not. You have a choice to have the vaccine or not. My responsibility is to understand the medical science and give direction. My perspective is that the American Pediatric Association, the American Association of Family Medicine, the American Association of Infectious Disease, the CDC, the Minnesota Department of Health and many others are all aligned for a reason.
The vaccine is very important for us. It will help us all through this pandemic. For almost everyone, the benefits are very high, and the consequence is very low.
The vaccine is good.
The choice is yours.
Gail. this is a very good question. the statistics do reveal a very very very low risk of side effects and thrombosis might be one of them. that being said, the risk of a clot is much much greater with the covid disease than the vaccine. I would be happy to talk more with you in person or telephone if would like.
DR KURT
thank you so much i wish it was my choice and i am very scared to get the shot sending prayers to all and thank u for all ur hard thru it all
Such a great article and a wonderful perspective. Makes so much sense to do to get through this pandemic.
Great article! Thank you for sharing your perspective — very well stated.
I agree with your last statement “the choice is yours”
Thank you for your continued leadership Dr. Schwieters.
Dr. Schwieters, what profound and simple words to explain such a serious and complex thing we are dealing with right now. You are absolutely correct, we have to trust someone and make a decision based on that and the facts. Your words of not getting “caught up in the argument” makes so much sense. So many have trusted their medical professionals with so many more things… I think of my own family members that needed to start chemotherapy, start a new medication, have a surgery, our children and loved ones needing care… we do have to trust someone. Thank you for all that you do!
What a great article Dr. Schwieters. I like that you say that we all see things differently, but that does not mean our viewpoints are better (or worse) than others, but are just different. Thank you for that perspective.
You have been my strength through this entire pandemic. You make a difference. Thank you
This is one of the most meaningful perspectives I have read recently (and I have read many valuable ones). You had me at “You have to trust someone.” I encourage CentraCare to share this on social media as written.
Thank you.
Beautifully said, Dr. Schwieters. Thank you for sharing such wisdom in a clear and concise way and thank you for being a voice of reason in such a chaotic time.
Dr. Schwieters , You are an amazing physician! Thank you for taking the time to share this perspective. I do hear deep care and concern in your voice through your words. Keep touching lives! You make a difference!
Wonderful message – thank you Dr. Schwieters!
Question, I am worried about getting the vaccine, due to hearing others that got the vaccine ended up with blood clots. I had gotten superfical blood clots after having CoVid, not wanting to get anymore. Do you feel it’s safe?