If I have a heart attack, I too would be grateful for modern medicine. Outside those emergency situations, I take a “natural first” approach. Not to TMI anyone, but I recently learned (through western medicine confirmation) that I have a fibroid. My OBGYN was readied to remove everything. Me? I think my inner organs were placed intentionally. I didn’t like the mechanism of action on the other pharma route (encouraging blood clotting). So I am trying essential oils, notably one called Progessence, to regulate hormone levels. Four months in…it’s working like a charm. No quick-fire surgery needed. If that changes later and it’s negatively impacting my life, I’ll reconsider. Balance. Nuance. It would have been GREAT, however, if my doc had been aware of that route too and offered the oil without me having to search for ways myself. That would be the true progress.
Trauma surgery for gunshot wounds is an example of the military industrial complex getting something right. Battlefield surgery and transport is applicable to highway accidents and crime sprees in cities. We have a huge success rate for surviving gun wounds since ww2 because people dedicated lots of attention and money to the problem. Sure the military wants to heal troops and put them back in combat and lots of war is about profit. But we have some benefits too.
What I want to see is the sick get well and the wounded healed. These results are possible. All methods that "do no harm" should be evaluated.
It is frustrating to see how there is a pick and choose approach to whether the understanding of mechanisms for drugs/treatments are needed. For instance, there is no clear mechanism by which any intramuscular vaccination can trigger an effective immune response of the mucosal immune cells (secretory igA etc.). So any claim that these, for example, covid shots (which are actually transfections and not vaccinations) could have prevented infection was NEVER based on any demonstrable mechanism (yet that claim was widely made). Serum antibodies do no actively cross the mucosa to prevent infection. The lab techs can demonstrate binding of serum antibodies (elicited by a shot) in an assay but how much this translates into an actual safe or effective immune response is completely unclear. But they'll say it must work 'cause it works in the lab. Yet, the same folks will demand a higher proof of HCQ, suddenly wanting a full explanation of the mechanism in order to accept any validity.
I used to work as a lecturer at Sangji University in Wonju, South Korea, which is a centre of excellence for the teaching of oriental medicine; I taught English to the head of department for a while, and we became firm friends. The view in Asia - or at least the little I saw - is that both Eastern and Western medicine has much to offer, so why not play to the strengths of both?
Unfortunately, the Western view seems to be that we're all scientific and rigorous, therefore our 200-year history has got us to a pinnacle of efficacy and practice, while the 5,000 year history of Eastern medicine counts for nothing very much. The arrogance...
On a lighter note, I throughly enjoyed the IK Go video - those boys were so inventive - and I was reminded of this little gem from many moons ago...
When I think of the word "healthcare", I have a wall come up automatically. "Healthcare" brings to mind "government interference".
Unless I have something serious, which cannot be handled through natural medicine, I don't go to doctors. Far too many doctors automatically prescribe pharmaceuticals... most of which are a way of trying to replicate what we can readily derive from nature... except that they are chemicals and not good for you.
I would call what we have today "sickness care," rather than health care. Optimal metabolic health results from a combination of our genetic/epigenetic endowment and lifestyle choices, plus the relative wealth of our parents. Such simple things as making certain we consume sufficient nutrients (vitamins, minerals, protein) routinely, which few do, moving the body frequently throughout the day, which few do, retaining and building muscle mass as we age, sweating neither the small stuff nor the big stuff, maintaining a sunny disposition, and treating others with kindness and basic human dignity. You're certainly right, Mathew, that emergency medicine is excellent, but pharmaceutical medicine is largely a negative, especially for chronic conditions, which are mostly a result of poor lifestyle choices. But medicine truly has a dark side, and that is called pediatrics. On the day of birth, most American children receive a Hep B shot. Hep B is transmitted through sexual contact and contaminated needles. Then, every few months, more jabs. Small wonder that most of them survive. You are also correct that there are many fine medical doctors in practice, but they are forced to comply with Rockefeller medicine, because the Federation of State Medical Boards, a private company founded by the Rockefeller Foundation in 1911, publishes the treatment protocols for all diseases, and the medical boards in all fifty states follow these to the letter. There is value in alternative treatments, although I personally have never used any of them.
Interestingly enough Rockefeller himself was a lifelong believer in homeopathy. Yet his resources funded allopathic chemical treatments at the exclusion of everything else. 🤑
That being said, homeopathic treatments should not be suppressed, but should be taught in medical schools in conjunction with allopathic medicine.
Of course, when it comes to trauma cases allopathic medicine is necessary to "patch-up" patients. And yes, a defibrillator may restore a lifeless heart. However, many heart surgeries "fail" and many medications for chronic conditions only cause serious adverse reactions resulting in the sick becoming substantially weaker.
What we should begin asking, is why are more than 500,000 Americans dying from heart disease each year and that's before mRNA myocarditis appeared on the scene.
I personally believe, bankster Rockefeller established a medical industry that's as corrupt as the military industrial complex another bankster favorite which profits from slaughtering/torturing humanity.
Timely. Just returned home from an English lesson where one of the older students is still recovering from a slipped (herniated) disc ... a common problem in Japan. He relaxed at a hot spring in Atami over the holiday and is headed for an acupuncturist this weekend. Such a treatment is not covered by Japanese health insurance, but many still swear by it.
I have mixed feelings about acupuncture. I had a motorcycle accident up in Tochigi prefecture, had sore muscles all over, and went to an alternative medicine clinic for what I thought I would be given one of those stress-melting shiatsu massages. Wrong clinic. The 'doc' was a "yabu-issha" (bush doctor) — Japanese for 'medical quack'. I knew he was a fraud when I saw an elderly lady in the waiting room with her grandson ... his face looking like a porcupine with one quill too many. He was being "treated" for color-blindness.
Still, I guess for the appropriate injuries and under the right circumstances, endorphins might be released. And if it were not for the "Clever Hans" horse trick, I might believe animals 'successfully' treated with acupuncture might be benefiting from something more than the presence of a 'healer'. But hey, even that mere presence might be releasing endorphins.
But maybe I should not have mentioned Clever Hans. An all-too-clever kulangeta (or skim from ChatGPT) might pop off a new psyop ... 'proof' that a certain nobel prize winning 'horse medicine' is only a combination of the placebo and observer-expectancy effects. 🙃
As with other domains (politics, education, business, etc.), I am not optimistic we will ever be rid of bad actors in the medical field. Situations and people are always subject to change, and those changes could be anywhere on a continuum from 'dolts botching shit' to hard-core kulangeta. But we can be better informed. (sigh) A constant battle of mankind against its own worst nature.
The most complex and intelligently designed machine ever? I submit for consideration the human body. Consider classical, principles-based Osteopathy. From Andrew Still’s book, Osteopathy Research in Practice:
“Osteopathy is based on the perfection of Nature’s work. When all parts of the human body are in-line we have health... The work of the osteopath is to adjust the body from the abnormal to the normal, then the abnormal condition gives way to the normal, and health is the result.”
Another two quotes:
“All of the bacteriology that I want or need is a good knowledge of man’s anatomy, of the functioning of his organs and how to know the cause of the friction that has produced the disease; then I relieve it.”
“The better I am acquainted with the parts and principles of this machine - man - the louder it speaks that from start to finish it is the work of some trustworthy architect; and all mysteries concerning health disappear just in proportion to one’s acquaintance with this sacred product, it’s parts and principles, separate, united or in action.”
Allopathic medicine has fought this wisdom from the beginning. The history of osteopathy is a worthy study.
A healthcare utopia. 😉 As a health professional, that has experienced many different medical systems, including the allopathic, I find the same types of people operate in both. Leading to the similar pro's/con's, advances and abuses 😐🤔🤦♀️
Universal healthcare is the ideal, but the practical solutions lie in the localist level.
The barefootdoctors of China's revolution opened authentic mass healthcare possibility. It allowed widespread care, with the country doctor approach, that also enabled self resilience. BTJMO 😉
"The Will To Live" is the one of the strongest medicine.
Nature helps to increase this Will. But also family and community. Children have a natural Will to Live.
Which goes against materialism, and against some principles in our western healthcare. And it is hard to find non-religious theories on how that all works. The "molecules of emotion" follow our emotions instead of leading them. That is why psychiatry does not work at all.
I've been reading up on the wisdom of herbal remedies that we lost along the way, usually down to profit. It surprises many when they learn that with medicine you don't have to show how it works, it's enough that it works.
Many interesting pieces of information emerged during the covid boondoggle .The importance of vitamin d3, zinc and c along with nasal rinses and gargling had great benefit. The idea I adopted was that certain pairings of nutrients would work to charge the immune system better than any shots could. At the most basic level, it comes down to three pairs of supplements .1-vitamin d3 and vit k2. 2 zinc and quercitin.3 magnesium and vitamin C. These are taken everyday. At the first sign of respiratory illness, ivermectin and hydrogen peroxide are added. Gargle with an old school mouthwash with a dissolved aspirin in it. I would like to see a study done comparing daily intake of these nutrients to shots in the arm.
Start noticing where all the building expansions are occurring. Most of it seems to be in Medical Facilities. Seems like every hospital or medical facility in almost any city you visit now has undergone a large expansion effort.
Here in Northern Virginia the largest “healthcare” provider has taken over a large failing mall and is now converting it.
We don’t seem to make anything in this country anymore, other than making people sick.
The United States Constitution grants no power to the federal government over health issues. Get the federal government with all its federal health bureaucracy, alphabet agencies, grants to universities and colleges out of the way (with a corresponding decrease in federal taxes) and let the individual states and people manage their health.
How can healthcare ever truly honor the Hippocratic oath when driven by a profit motive? Student loans must be re-paid, insurance companies must be appeased, investors in drug companies expect profits, etc.
ChatGPT
The tension between the Hippocratic oath and profit motives in healthcare is a complex and longstanding issue. The Hippocratic oath emphasizes principles such as patient well-being, confidentiality, and avoidance of harm, which may conflict with financial interests in some situations. Here are some factors to consider when exploring this issue:
Healthcare System Structure:
Fee-for-Service Model: In many healthcare systems, the fee-for-service model incentivizes healthcare providers to perform more procedures and tests, potentially leading to overutilization and unnecessary costs.
Value-Based Care: Transitioning to a value-based care model, which focuses on patient outcomes rather than the quantity of services, could align better with the principles of the Hippocratic oath.
Insurance Companies:
Profit-Driven Insurance: Insurance companies may prioritize profits over patient care. Single-payer systems or alternative insurance models could reduce the influence of profit motives.
Pharmaceutical Industry:
Drug Pricing: High drug prices can limit access to essential medications. Balancing the need for innovation and profit with ensuring affordable access for all is a challenge.
Medical Education Debt:
Student Loans: The burden of student loans may influence healthcare professionals to pursue lucrative specialties or prioritize financial stability over patient needs.
Ethical Guidelines and Oversight:
Regulation and Oversight: Strict regulations and oversight can help ensure that healthcare providers prioritize ethical considerations over financial gain.
Public vs. Private Healthcare:
System Design: Countries with predominantly public healthcare systems may experience fewer conflicts between profit motives and ethical considerations, as the primary focus is on delivering care rather than generating revenue.
Ethical Decision-Making:
Individual Ethics: Healthcare professionals, individually and collectively, play a crucial role in upholding ethical standards. Training and support for ethical decision-making can help navigate conflicts of interest.
Advocacy and Public Awareness:
Patient Advocacy: Empowered patients and advocacy groups can play a role in holding the healthcare system accountable and demanding ethical practices.
Research and Innovation:
Balancing Innovation and Profit: Encouraging research and innovation in healthcare is essential, but it should be balanced with ethical considerations to ensure that advancements benefit patients without compromising their well-being.
Global Perspectives:
Learning from Others: Analyzing healthcare systems in other countries can provide insights into alternative models that prioritize patient care over profit.
Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach involving healthcare policy reforms, ethical guidelines, professional education, and public engagement. Striking a balance between the financial sustainability of healthcare systems and the ethical principles of the Hippocratic oath remains a complex but essential task.
2 / 2
User
So the oath is an anachronism in this modern economic age?
ChatGPT
The Hippocratic oath, with its emphasis on the ethical principles of medical practice, may face challenges in the modern economic landscape, but it is not necessarily an anachronism. The core values expressed in the oath, such as the commitment to patient well-being, confidentiality, and avoidance of harm, continue to be relevant and foundational to medical ethics.
However, the context in which healthcare operates has evolved significantly since the time of the ancient Greeks when the Hippocratic oath originated. The contemporary healthcare system is often influenced by economic factors, including profit motives, insurance structures, and the financial burden of medical education. As a result, there can be tensions and conflicts between the traditional ethical principles and the economic realities of the healthcare industry.
Rather than dismissing the Hippocratic oath as outdated, many argue for its adaptation to the current context. This may involve incorporating new ethical guidelines, addressing issues related to healthcare financing, and promoting policies that align with the oath's principles. Efforts to move towards patient-centered care, value-based models, and increased transparency can be seen as steps in this direction.
In essence, while the Hippocratic oath may need to be contextualized to fit the complexities of the modern healthcare system, its fundamental principles still hold value in guiding ethical medical practice. The challenge lies in finding ways to harmonize these principles with the economic realities of contemporary healthcare without compromising patient care and ethical standards.
If I have a heart attack, I too would be grateful for modern medicine. Outside those emergency situations, I take a “natural first” approach. Not to TMI anyone, but I recently learned (through western medicine confirmation) that I have a fibroid. My OBGYN was readied to remove everything. Me? I think my inner organs were placed intentionally. I didn’t like the mechanism of action on the other pharma route (encouraging blood clotting). So I am trying essential oils, notably one called Progessence, to regulate hormone levels. Four months in…it’s working like a charm. No quick-fire surgery needed. If that changes later and it’s negatively impacting my life, I’ll reconsider. Balance. Nuance. It would have been GREAT, however, if my doc had been aware of that route too and offered the oil without me having to search for ways myself. That would be the true progress.
Trauma surgery for gunshot wounds is an example of the military industrial complex getting something right. Battlefield surgery and transport is applicable to highway accidents and crime sprees in cities. We have a huge success rate for surviving gun wounds since ww2 because people dedicated lots of attention and money to the problem. Sure the military wants to heal troops and put them back in combat and lots of war is about profit. But we have some benefits too.
What I want to see is the sick get well and the wounded healed. These results are possible. All methods that "do no harm" should be evaluated.
It is frustrating to see how there is a pick and choose approach to whether the understanding of mechanisms for drugs/treatments are needed. For instance, there is no clear mechanism by which any intramuscular vaccination can trigger an effective immune response of the mucosal immune cells (secretory igA etc.). So any claim that these, for example, covid shots (which are actually transfections and not vaccinations) could have prevented infection was NEVER based on any demonstrable mechanism (yet that claim was widely made). Serum antibodies do no actively cross the mucosa to prevent infection. The lab techs can demonstrate binding of serum antibodies (elicited by a shot) in an assay but how much this translates into an actual safe or effective immune response is completely unclear. But they'll say it must work 'cause it works in the lab. Yet, the same folks will demand a higher proof of HCQ, suddenly wanting a full explanation of the mechanism in order to accept any validity.
Double standards.
I used to work as a lecturer at Sangji University in Wonju, South Korea, which is a centre of excellence for the teaching of oriental medicine; I taught English to the head of department for a while, and we became firm friends. The view in Asia - or at least the little I saw - is that both Eastern and Western medicine has much to offer, so why not play to the strengths of both?
Unfortunately, the Western view seems to be that we're all scientific and rigorous, therefore our 200-year history has got us to a pinnacle of efficacy and practice, while the 5,000 year history of Eastern medicine counts for nothing very much. The arrogance...
On a lighter note, I throughly enjoyed the IK Go video - those boys were so inventive - and I was reminded of this little gem from many moons ago...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ve4M4UsJQo
When I think of the word "healthcare", I have a wall come up automatically. "Healthcare" brings to mind "government interference".
Unless I have something serious, which cannot be handled through natural medicine, I don't go to doctors. Far too many doctors automatically prescribe pharmaceuticals... most of which are a way of trying to replicate what we can readily derive from nature... except that they are chemicals and not good for you.
I would call what we have today "sickness care," rather than health care. Optimal metabolic health results from a combination of our genetic/epigenetic endowment and lifestyle choices, plus the relative wealth of our parents. Such simple things as making certain we consume sufficient nutrients (vitamins, minerals, protein) routinely, which few do, moving the body frequently throughout the day, which few do, retaining and building muscle mass as we age, sweating neither the small stuff nor the big stuff, maintaining a sunny disposition, and treating others with kindness and basic human dignity. You're certainly right, Mathew, that emergency medicine is excellent, but pharmaceutical medicine is largely a negative, especially for chronic conditions, which are mostly a result of poor lifestyle choices. But medicine truly has a dark side, and that is called pediatrics. On the day of birth, most American children receive a Hep B shot. Hep B is transmitted through sexual contact and contaminated needles. Then, every few months, more jabs. Small wonder that most of them survive. You are also correct that there are many fine medical doctors in practice, but they are forced to comply with Rockefeller medicine, because the Federation of State Medical Boards, a private company founded by the Rockefeller Foundation in 1911, publishes the treatment protocols for all diseases, and the medical boards in all fifty states follow these to the letter. There is value in alternative treatments, although I personally have never used any of them.
Interestingly enough Rockefeller himself was a lifelong believer in homeopathy. Yet his resources funded allopathic chemical treatments at the exclusion of everything else. 🤑
That being said, homeopathic treatments should not be suppressed, but should be taught in medical schools in conjunction with allopathic medicine.
Of course, when it comes to trauma cases allopathic medicine is necessary to "patch-up" patients. And yes, a defibrillator may restore a lifeless heart. However, many heart surgeries "fail" and many medications for chronic conditions only cause serious adverse reactions resulting in the sick becoming substantially weaker.
What we should begin asking, is why are more than 500,000 Americans dying from heart disease each year and that's before mRNA myocarditis appeared on the scene.
I personally believe, bankster Rockefeller established a medical industry that's as corrupt as the military industrial complex another bankster favorite which profits from slaughtering/torturing humanity.
Hi Mathew.
Timely. Just returned home from an English lesson where one of the older students is still recovering from a slipped (herniated) disc ... a common problem in Japan. He relaxed at a hot spring in Atami over the holiday and is headed for an acupuncturist this weekend. Such a treatment is not covered by Japanese health insurance, but many still swear by it.
I have mixed feelings about acupuncture. I had a motorcycle accident up in Tochigi prefecture, had sore muscles all over, and went to an alternative medicine clinic for what I thought I would be given one of those stress-melting shiatsu massages. Wrong clinic. The 'doc' was a "yabu-issha" (bush doctor) — Japanese for 'medical quack'. I knew he was a fraud when I saw an elderly lady in the waiting room with her grandson ... his face looking like a porcupine with one quill too many. He was being "treated" for color-blindness.
Still, I guess for the appropriate injuries and under the right circumstances, endorphins might be released. And if it were not for the "Clever Hans" horse trick, I might believe animals 'successfully' treated with acupuncture might be benefiting from something more than the presence of a 'healer'. But hey, even that mere presence might be releasing endorphins.
But maybe I should not have mentioned Clever Hans. An all-too-clever kulangeta (or skim from ChatGPT) might pop off a new psyop ... 'proof' that a certain nobel prize winning 'horse medicine' is only a combination of the placebo and observer-expectancy effects. 🙃
As with other domains (politics, education, business, etc.), I am not optimistic we will ever be rid of bad actors in the medical field. Situations and people are always subject to change, and those changes could be anywhere on a continuum from 'dolts botching shit' to hard-core kulangeta. But we can be better informed. (sigh) A constant battle of mankind against its own worst nature.
A Happy New Year from Japan Mathew.
The most complex and intelligently designed machine ever? I submit for consideration the human body. Consider classical, principles-based Osteopathy. From Andrew Still’s book, Osteopathy Research in Practice:
“Osteopathy is based on the perfection of Nature’s work. When all parts of the human body are in-line we have health... The work of the osteopath is to adjust the body from the abnormal to the normal, then the abnormal condition gives way to the normal, and health is the result.”
Another two quotes:
“All of the bacteriology that I want or need is a good knowledge of man’s anatomy, of the functioning of his organs and how to know the cause of the friction that has produced the disease; then I relieve it.”
“The better I am acquainted with the parts and principles of this machine - man - the louder it speaks that from start to finish it is the work of some trustworthy architect; and all mysteries concerning health disappear just in proportion to one’s acquaintance with this sacred product, it’s parts and principles, separate, united or in action.”
Allopathic medicine has fought this wisdom from the beginning. The history of osteopathy is a worthy study.
A healthcare utopia. 😉 As a health professional, that has experienced many different medical systems, including the allopathic, I find the same types of people operate in both. Leading to the similar pro's/con's, advances and abuses 😐🤔🤦♀️
Universal healthcare is the ideal, but the practical solutions lie in the localist level.
The barefootdoctors of China's revolution opened authentic mass healthcare possibility. It allowed widespread care, with the country doctor approach, that also enabled self resilience. BTJMO 😉
"The Will To Live" is the one of the strongest medicine.
Nature helps to increase this Will. But also family and community. Children have a natural Will to Live.
Which goes against materialism, and against some principles in our western healthcare. And it is hard to find non-religious theories on how that all works. The "molecules of emotion" follow our emotions instead of leading them. That is why psychiatry does not work at all.
I've been reading up on the wisdom of herbal remedies that we lost along the way, usually down to profit. It surprises many when they learn that with medicine you don't have to show how it works, it's enough that it works.
Many interesting pieces of information emerged during the covid boondoggle .The importance of vitamin d3, zinc and c along with nasal rinses and gargling had great benefit. The idea I adopted was that certain pairings of nutrients would work to charge the immune system better than any shots could. At the most basic level, it comes down to three pairs of supplements .1-vitamin d3 and vit k2. 2 zinc and quercitin.3 magnesium and vitamin C. These are taken everyday. At the first sign of respiratory illness, ivermectin and hydrogen peroxide are added. Gargle with an old school mouthwash with a dissolved aspirin in it. I would like to see a study done comparing daily intake of these nutrients to shots in the arm.
Start noticing where all the building expansions are occurring. Most of it seems to be in Medical Facilities. Seems like every hospital or medical facility in almost any city you visit now has undergone a large expansion effort.
Here in Northern Virginia the largest “healthcare” provider has taken over a large failing mall and is now converting it.
We don’t seem to make anything in this country anymore, other than making people sick.
The United States Constitution grants no power to the federal government over health issues. Get the federal government with all its federal health bureaucracy, alphabet agencies, grants to universities and colleges out of the way (with a corresponding decrease in federal taxes) and let the individual states and people manage their health.
User
How can healthcare ever truly honor the Hippocratic oath when driven by a profit motive? Student loans must be re-paid, insurance companies must be appeased, investors in drug companies expect profits, etc.
ChatGPT
The tension between the Hippocratic oath and profit motives in healthcare is a complex and longstanding issue. The Hippocratic oath emphasizes principles such as patient well-being, confidentiality, and avoidance of harm, which may conflict with financial interests in some situations. Here are some factors to consider when exploring this issue:
Healthcare System Structure:
Fee-for-Service Model: In many healthcare systems, the fee-for-service model incentivizes healthcare providers to perform more procedures and tests, potentially leading to overutilization and unnecessary costs.
Value-Based Care: Transitioning to a value-based care model, which focuses on patient outcomes rather than the quantity of services, could align better with the principles of the Hippocratic oath.
Insurance Companies:
Profit-Driven Insurance: Insurance companies may prioritize profits over patient care. Single-payer systems or alternative insurance models could reduce the influence of profit motives.
Pharmaceutical Industry:
Drug Pricing: High drug prices can limit access to essential medications. Balancing the need for innovation and profit with ensuring affordable access for all is a challenge.
Medical Education Debt:
Student Loans: The burden of student loans may influence healthcare professionals to pursue lucrative specialties or prioritize financial stability over patient needs.
Ethical Guidelines and Oversight:
Regulation and Oversight: Strict regulations and oversight can help ensure that healthcare providers prioritize ethical considerations over financial gain.
Public vs. Private Healthcare:
System Design: Countries with predominantly public healthcare systems may experience fewer conflicts between profit motives and ethical considerations, as the primary focus is on delivering care rather than generating revenue.
Ethical Decision-Making:
Individual Ethics: Healthcare professionals, individually and collectively, play a crucial role in upholding ethical standards. Training and support for ethical decision-making can help navigate conflicts of interest.
Advocacy and Public Awareness:
Patient Advocacy: Empowered patients and advocacy groups can play a role in holding the healthcare system accountable and demanding ethical practices.
Research and Innovation:
Balancing Innovation and Profit: Encouraging research and innovation in healthcare is essential, but it should be balanced with ethical considerations to ensure that advancements benefit patients without compromising their well-being.
Global Perspectives:
Learning from Others: Analyzing healthcare systems in other countries can provide insights into alternative models that prioritize patient care over profit.
Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach involving healthcare policy reforms, ethical guidelines, professional education, and public engagement. Striking a balance between the financial sustainability of healthcare systems and the ethical principles of the Hippocratic oath remains a complex but essential task.
2 / 2
User
So the oath is an anachronism in this modern economic age?
ChatGPT
The Hippocratic oath, with its emphasis on the ethical principles of medical practice, may face challenges in the modern economic landscape, but it is not necessarily an anachronism. The core values expressed in the oath, such as the commitment to patient well-being, confidentiality, and avoidance of harm, continue to be relevant and foundational to medical ethics.
However, the context in which healthcare operates has evolved significantly since the time of the ancient Greeks when the Hippocratic oath originated. The contemporary healthcare system is often influenced by economic factors, including profit motives, insurance structures, and the financial burden of medical education. As a result, there can be tensions and conflicts between the traditional ethical principles and the economic realities of the healthcare industry.
Rather than dismissing the Hippocratic oath as outdated, many argue for its adaptation to the current context. This may involve incorporating new ethical guidelines, addressing issues related to healthcare financing, and promoting policies that align with the oath's principles. Efforts to move towards patient-centered care, value-based models, and increased transparency can be seen as steps in this direction.
In essence, while the Hippocratic oath may need to be contextualized to fit the complexities of the modern healthcare system, its fundamental principles still hold value in guiding ethical medical practice. The challenge lies in finding ways to harmonize these principles with the economic realities of contemporary healthcare without compromising patient care and ethical standards.