A Global Apology On Behalf Of Physicians Everywhere

Introduction

When working on the New York Times bestseller Mind Over Medicine, a friend’s experience at the doctor’s office prompted a profound realization. The lack of personal connection, empathy, and understanding in healthcare settings became a catalyst for change. The need for healing medical trauma and addressing the shortcomings in patient care became evident.

The Call for Change

The published letter from a dissatisfied patient shed light on the prevalent issue of physicians facing away, engrossed in computers, rather than engaging with patients. The impersonal nature of medical encounters, miscommunication, and lack of empathy highlighted a systemic problem in healthcare.

A Personal Apology

Reflecting on past behaviors, the author extends heartfelt apologies to individuals who were mistreated or overlooked during medical encounters. Expressing regret for instances of impatience, dismissiveness, and lack of compassion, the author acknowledges the impact of such actions on patients, colleagues, and loved ones.

Apologies to Patients

An empathetic acknowledgment is extended to patients who felt dehumanized, unheard, or disrespected by healthcare providers. From brusque physical examinations to dismissive attitudes towards alternative healing practices, the author recognizes the importance of honoring patients’ autonomy, intuition, and holistic well-being.

Recognition of Medical Staff

Addressing non-physician healthcare providers, the author conveys gratitude and apologies on behalf of physicians for any instances of mistreatment, lack of appreciation, or disrespect. Recognizing the integral role of nurses and medical staff in patient care, the author emphasizes the importance of collaboration, respect, and acknowledgment of their contributions.

Appreciation for CAM Providers

An apology is extended to complementary and alternative medicine providers for the lack of understanding, respect, and collaboration from traditional medical practitioners. Acknowledging the healing qualities and unique approaches of CAM providers, the author advocates for mutual respect, open-mindedness, and integration of diverse healing modalities in patient care.

Support for Medical Students & Practitioners

Recognizing the challenges and sacrifices made by medical students, residents, and practicing physicians, the author offers empathy and understanding for the burdens and traumas endured in the medical profession. Encouraging self-care, healing, and advocacy for systemic change, the author acknowledges the need for support, compassion, and acknowledgment of the humanity of healthcare providers.

Healing Medical Trauma

With a commitment to addressing past wrongs and fostering healing in the healthcare system, the author introduces a transformative Zoom workshop, “Healing Medical Trauma.” By inviting a diverse healing team to facilitate healing and reconciliation, the author aims to initiate a process of collective healing and change in patient care.

Join the Healing Conversation

Engaging with readers and participants, the author encourages sharing personal stories, insights, and feedback on healing medical trauma. Through open dialogue, empathy, and collaboration, the author seeks to co-create a healing space where individuals can be seen, heard, and supported in their journey towards healing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Five Alternative Medical Systems (Alternatives)?

Ayurveda acupuncture and homeopathy are the five alternative medical systems.

To stimulate the flow and energy of qi (energy), Acupuncture uses fine needles that are inserted into specific points in the body.

Ayurvedic medicines is an ancient system to balance the three senses of air, fire,, and water. It involves diet and exercise, herbal remedies as well massage and meditation.

Homeopathic Medicine’s name derives from the Greek words homoios and pathos. Homeopaths believe that every disease has natural causes. However, symptoms are not the only thing that can be caused. Homeopaths treat patients by prescribing small amounts of substances that produce similar symptoms to the ones experienced when the patient is sick.

Energy Healing is also known for Reiki, EFT Rolfing Therapeutic Touch, Rolfing and Rolfing. This therapy is based in the belief we all have a connection to a universal life force called Ki. This Ki flows freely through us and makes us feel good. Energy healers use touch, intention, and touch to restore harmony between our physical and emotional, as well as spiritual selves.

Aromatherapy uses essential oils from plants to treat ailments. Aromatherapists believe certain smells can have a positive effect on mood and behavior. Lavender is one of the most used essential oils in aromatherapy.

What is alternative medicine called?

Alternative medicine is a broad term that describes any alternative approach to healing. Although there are many forms of alternative medicine, most are based on the premise that health care should be rooted in natural substances and practices rather than chemical medicines.

Alternative medicine can include acupuncture and herbalism, naturopathy and osteopathic manipulation.

Many alternative doctors claim that their therapies have improved patient satisfaction and reduced side effects. These claims can’t be supported scientifically, as mainstream medical authorities have mostly ignored the evidence-based advantages of alternative medicine.

Who uses holistic medicines?

Holistic medicine is a holistic approach to healthcare that treats the whole person, not just specific symptoms. It addresses both the mental as well as physical aspects of well being.

Holistic medicine includes acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic treatment, nutritional counseling, yoga, and other complementary therapies.

People who use holistic medicine include those who have been diagnosed with cancer, heart problems, diabetes, arthritis, depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, migraines, infertility, menopause, asthma, autism, and many others.

What is the distinction between holistic medicine and traditional medicines?

Traditional medicine is concerned with treating symptoms. Holistic medicine addresses the whole person. Holistic medicine focuses on the whole person and not just one aspect of a patient’s health.

Traditional medicine treats only a few organs or system (such as the mind), while holistic medicine addresses all aspects of the human body. It considers the impact of lifestyle choices on overall wellness.

Statistics

These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)

External Links

How To

What are the main 4 categories of complementary and/or alternative medicine?

The main categories of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) are mind-body, natural products as well as manipulative therapies. Mind-body medicine includes yoga, meditation, Tai Chi, Reiki, acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic care, homeopathy, aromatherapy, reflexology, naturopathy, biofeedback, hypnosis, and herbalism. Natural products include herbs, vitamins, minerals, dietary supplements, and botanicals. Manipulative therapy includes physical manipulation, such as chiropractic and osteopathic care, acupuncture and therapeutic exercise. You can also use prayer and visualization to help you heal your energy.

CAM is an umbrella term for various health practices outside traditional Western medical models. These practices can be supported by scientific evidence, or they may involve surgery. They also vary in terms of the conditions they treat. Some CAM practitioners may also prescribe medication and perform diagnostic testing (e.g. blood tests). Others do neither.

There are many subcategories that fall within each of these categories. In mind-body medicine there are relaxation techniques. Natural products include nutritional supplements, botanical remedies, homeopathic remedies and essential oils. Manual, movement, manipulation, electrotherapies and soft tissue mobilization are some of the manipulative therapies. There are also spiritual healing methods such as prayer, faith healing, and energy healing.

Many CAM treatments can be used to treat symptoms and not the cause. Some chronic diseases may be treated with CAM. If used in the right way, CAM can supplement conventional treatment options.

There are many good reasons to use CAM.

To improve their overall wellness.
To manage a special condition.
To reduce pain or discomfort.
To prevent illness.
To promote wellness.
To address a personal belief.

People turn to CAM for greater control of their health than conventional medicine. Some people believe that CAM has less side effects. Others choose CAM to avoid taking prescription medications. Still, others prefer not to take pharmaceuticals if possible. Many people also seek out CAM because of bad experiences with traditional medicine.

People who use CAM often say that they want to know the basics of what they are doing before trying anything new. Many CAM users want to know more about the safety of CAM. Others rely on friends and family for word of mouth.

Although CAM is often seen negatively in society, most users report positive feelings towards CAM. People who use CAM are more happy and healthier than those who do not. This holds true regardless if you are of any gender, race or ethnicity.

A majority of Americans have used some type of alternative or complementary medicine. 95% or more of adult Americans have used some type of CAM in their lives. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health – NCCIH, approximately 40,000,000 visits were made to CAM providers alone in 2010.

The NCCIH estimates 10 percent of the U.S. populace uses chiropractors.

The American Medical Association has reaffirmed its support to integrative medicine in 2013, It recognized that doctors must “integrate scientifically valid alternative and complementary medicine into clinical practices…to meet patients’ needs.”

In 2007, the Institute of Medicine published a landmark report called “Relaxing Constraints: Improving Access to Complementary and Alternative Healthcare.” The report concluded that “there is no credible evidence that any specific CAM intervention is effective for preventing, treating, or curing cancer.”

CAM continues to gain popularity despite this finding. The 2008 number of CAM practitioners increased 8 percent compared with 2007.

A recent study found that almost half of the respondents reported using CAM as part of their primary healthcare regimen.

CAM therapies include natural products, mind-body practices, manipulative techniques, energy healing modalities, exercise, dietary supplements, and other approaches.

Many CAM therapies are used primarily for pain relief; however, many also offer other benefits, such as relaxation, improved mood, better sleep, reduced stress, and enhanced immunity.

Acupuncture can be used to relieve back pain, anxiety, depression, increase immune function, promote weight loss, and improve menstrual symptoms.

Many CAM therapies are rooted in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine. They have been around for thousands of years.

For example, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) originated 5,000 years ago and has been practiced in China since ancient times.

TCM, although it gained prominence in the late 1800s, is still an integral part of health care.

TCM is used to treat a majority of Americans.

Yoga is another popular CAM therapy. Yoga originated in India around 5000 B.C. Yoga is now widely accepted worldwide.

Yoga is becoming more popular because it has many positive effects on the body, mind, and spirit.

Yoga can be used to reduce stress, improve flexibility, increase strength and help with blood pressure.

Yoga has been shown to improve sleep33, even though there is not much scientific evidence. It may also be beneficial for insomnia sufferers.

Other CAM therapies are also gaining acceptance in mainstream medicine, including meditation, homeopathy, and aromatherapy.

Herbal medicine is one the most commonly used types of CAM.

Herbal medicines include herbs, spices and flowers, seeds, fruits and mushrooms, bark, leaves roots, stems, and bark.

They are commonly used as safer alternatives to prescription drugs and are often preferred by consumers.

The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health estimates that about 90 million Americans use some form of complementary/alternative medicine.

According to the American Cancer Society 45% of adults with cancer used alternative medicine during their illness.

The National Institutes of Health estimate that 60% of patients suffering from cancer use CAM. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that 50% of all cancer survivors have reported using CAM.

According to a recent study 51% of cancer survivors used at least one type CAM.

However, only 8% discussed the topic with their physicians.

This is a serious problem with healthcare delivery because there is not enough communication between conventional medical practitioners and CAM users.

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