A Few Reflections

I guess one thing I am always interested in, and that we touched on in class, is how one is to be culturally sensitive as well as pragmatic and effective in one's care. I asked my parents (who are both doctors) what the most important consideration in any doctor should be apart from his or her skills, and both agreed that it was compassion. I think it was really helpful to talk about 'the evil eye' and explore an instance where belief may conflict with medical practice because every doctor admits a certain amount of uncertainty in what they do-- each body works as a self-contained miracle, and what works with one may not work with another. Acknowledging that makes it especially important to pay attention to beliefs, traditions and faith surrounding the people one takes care of. There is more to a patient than his body