The Center for the Biology of Chronic Disease - Waldemar A. Schmidt, MD, PhD

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Waldemar A. Schmidt, MD, PhD

Professor Emeritus, Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University

REVIEW

Polansky presents a fascinating perspective on disease as a consequence of our interactions with other species. This work clarifies our perspective on such interactions. For instance, until now, we have mostly, if not virtually entirely, considered the diseases resulting from such interactions as being a consequence of the xeno-species' phenotypic properties – whether these be talon or toxin. It is a natural and logical step, in the molecular paradigm, to assume there are underlying genomic elements controlling these pathogenic phenotypic properties. To some extent, we have come to some understanding along those lines, though most of such understanding explicates in terms of non-genomic molecules.

Now comes Polansky who proposes that, in addition to pathogenic phenotypic and molecular interactions, we must consider genotypic interactions. At least, genotypic in the sense of DNA, various types of RNA, as well as the more proximate molecules. Further, the interaction is genotype to genotype and does not involve either our or the xeno-phenotype, at least initially.

In fact, the author's precepts more or less define chronic disease as being the result of genotype-to-genotype interactions. By inference and deduction, the author at the same time at least implies that acute and subacute disease is more often the result of phenotype-to-phenotype interactions. I generalize, of course, but do so to place into perspective the new disease paradigm proposed.

... My suspicion is that the author "has it right." Now, to convince the skeptics, enter the minds of the thinkers, and make aware the student. Probably any one book cannot do all of this and, probably, each audience will require focused attention and specialized presentation.

... I believe that all biomedical researchers in virtually all endeavors would benefit from reading the book. In addition, the concepts need to be integrated into the medical curriculum, as well as studies for biomedical research students.

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Waldemar A. Schmidt received both his medical degree and doctorate from the University of Oregon Medical School in Portland in 1969. Afterwards, he completed his residency training in Anatomic Pathology from Oregon Health & Science University. Dr. Schmidt's special areas of interest are cytopathology and Ob/Gyn pathology, and he is board certified in Anatomic Pathology and Cytopathology. He is currently Professor Emeritus of Pathology at OHSU and heads the Cascadia Placenta Registry.

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