The Shape of Things To Come?

Abstract
Behold the multidisciplinary health care center of the future. One enters through a front door that looks suspiciously like the circular maw of a high-field strength magnetic reasonance imager. One pauses for a moment at the center of the tunnel, where the magnetic field is most intense and homogeneous, and then enters the lobby. Instead of a reception or information desk, one encounters a large sign with instructions to proceed either to the right or to the left. Those who are edematous or dyspneic or just overweight are directed to the right; those with curious personalities and less than satisfactory adjustment to life are directed to the left. On either side of this huge lobby a large white mound arises from the floor. The one on the right is a lasix lick, and the one on the left is a lithium lick. The patient approaches, takes a small or generous lick (depending on the severity of symptoms) from the surface of the mound and departs. If the patient's symptoms are not relieved or substantially ameliorated, he/ she calls to say so, whereupon the magnetic resonance images are processed and interpreted. If they disclose the source of the problem, the patient is contacted and referred to the appropriate technology center. If the MR images are normal, the patient is urged to consult his/her personal physician.