Q&A | Dr. Sanjay Gupta: Medicine has its limits, surgeon warns


Dr. Sanjay Gupta is best-known for his work with CNN, where he serves as chief medical correspondent.

He is also an assistant professor of neurosurgery and a practicing trauma neurosurgeon at Emory University’s Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta.


In addition to his regular TV reporting, Gupta, 43, hosts a weekend medical-affairs program called Sanjay Gupta MD. He recently shared his thoughts on a variety of health issues.

Q: Why do Americans struggle so much with obesity?


There is no single answer. It is beyond “eat less; exercise more” — that is not a bad message; it is just not complete.


Not all exercise has equal benefit, either.


 Q: What are the biggest misconceptions about American medicine today?

A: We’ve done such a good job at some things — heart research and cancer for example, and childhood leukemia, which used to lead to imminent fatality. Today, survival rates of some forms are up into the 90th percentile.

In some ways, I think people think they can live careless lifestyles (regarding diet, exercise and risky sexual behavior) and count on medicine to reverse or take care of these things.

It just doesn’t work that way.

By 2020, it is estimated that over half the country will be pre-diabetic or diabetic. The health-care system will not be able to handle the surge of patients.

 Q: At what do we need to get better regarding our own health care?

A: With medicine and health, many people seem so willing to hand off the decision-making to others. You learn more about your schools and your supermarkets than your hospitals. Many don’t research hospital emergency rooms in their community in advance of ever having to make that visit. People may not know the capability of facilities in their community. It really comes down to being engaged.

 Q: What online sources would you recommend?

A: There is good information found online. EverydayHealth. com, Mayoclinic.com and www.cnn.com/HEALTH are good examples.


Given the vast array of information out there, they’ll likely find that, and the information may contradict what they are told by their doctor.