Many Paradoxes of My Gastroenterology Practice

A paradox describes the clash between 2 seemingly reasonable prepositions whose joint occurrence appears impossible. Like any other human endeavor, medicine is also filled with paradoxes that await resolution. This editorial lists several common paradoxes frequently encountered by clinical gastroenterologists. These examples illustrate the interplay between risk and benefit, cost and effect, disease and cure, and escape and exposure. It is hoped that addressing these paradoxes and trying to resolve their underlying contradictions will ultimately lead to a more efficacious and rational delivery of healthcare.