Because at least I could use a break from the paramedic vs EMT, nursing vs. EMS vs. fire, skills vs. education arguments and the like which haven’t changed in decades.
The difference between science and medicine. (Something you might not have been taught in school)
I would like to take a moment to point out the difference between the two. I know that many people think these two topics are synonymous. They are certainly not.
Medicine, deals with people. You know, intelligent beings who have hopes and dreams and fears and the like. They are parents, children, family members, workers of all kinds, the rich, the poor, the abused, the privileged, etc.
Science on the other hand deals with observation, experiment, bodies of collective knowledge, etc.
We use science in medicine in order to help people.
But there comes a point when our use of science does not help people or actually harms them, physically, emotionally, and psychologically.
It is society and individuals that determine where the line between helping and harming is. While it varies and it changes depending on our moments, we must always seek to be aware of where that line is for each person and family.
We as medical providers must always remember that just because we can bring our observations, knowledge and skills to bear upon people, it is not always helpful to them.
Early last week, a group of my peers and I were discussing Dr. Josef Mengele and his experiments and contributions to modern medicine. (Contributions is a rather chilling thought isn’t it?) If you are not aware of him, a strongly urge you to Google him. (through sources other than Wikipedia) As we discussed the topic, I noticed some eerie similarities. He was called the Angel of Death, which is the literal translation of my surname in my ancestral language.(A fact that some of my acquaintances here are always amused at. The patients find it less humorous.) He studied anthropology prior to becoming a doctor. I studied anthropology prior to medical school. Similarly, my medical school is about 25 minutes drive from Auschwitz, or as it is known around here, Oswiecim, where his observations and experiments took place.
So in a bit of reflecting, remembering that I have been formally educated, conditioned, and possess the skills to study people like a zoologist studies animals or an astronomer studies space, I wondered where the difference actually lies?
My conclusion is that I remember that the patients are people. Like me. I am not concerned with their value to society. There are no “lesser creatures” as is a common designation to dehumanize competing populations. They are not subjects, which are the designations of the targets of scientific observation; that the purpose and focus of medicine is not the scientific study of these organisms, but using that knowledge to help those who seek it. It is the difference between a medical scientist and a doctor or other healthcare provider.
For when we lose sight of the humanity and its sufferings, goals, hopes, and perceived value, and cross into absolute objectivity and ruthless efficiency of imposing our knowledge and abilities upon the most vulnerable of society, those who prostrate themselves to us in their broken form and ask for help, then we have crossed a very unfortunate line.
I hope you will all give some consideration to what exactly it is our goals and measure of success is and should be.
I like to think that the goal is not sustaining an organism simply because we have the will and power to do so. I affectionately refer to it as “Frankenstein medicine.”
With power comes responsibility and corruption.
On a happier note, after my last reflection here didn't go so well, I think I will start a blog. Just out of curiosity, is anyone interested in reading it?
The difference between science and medicine. (Something you might not have been taught in school)
I would like to take a moment to point out the difference between the two. I know that many people think these two topics are synonymous. They are certainly not.
Medicine, deals with people. You know, intelligent beings who have hopes and dreams and fears and the like. They are parents, children, family members, workers of all kinds, the rich, the poor, the abused, the privileged, etc.
Science on the other hand deals with observation, experiment, bodies of collective knowledge, etc.
We use science in medicine in order to help people.
But there comes a point when our use of science does not help people or actually harms them, physically, emotionally, and psychologically.
It is society and individuals that determine where the line between helping and harming is. While it varies and it changes depending on our moments, we must always seek to be aware of where that line is for each person and family.
We as medical providers must always remember that just because we can bring our observations, knowledge and skills to bear upon people, it is not always helpful to them.
Early last week, a group of my peers and I were discussing Dr. Josef Mengele and his experiments and contributions to modern medicine. (Contributions is a rather chilling thought isn’t it?) If you are not aware of him, a strongly urge you to Google him. (through sources other than Wikipedia) As we discussed the topic, I noticed some eerie similarities. He was called the Angel of Death, which is the literal translation of my surname in my ancestral language.(A fact that some of my acquaintances here are always amused at. The patients find it less humorous.) He studied anthropology prior to becoming a doctor. I studied anthropology prior to medical school. Similarly, my medical school is about 25 minutes drive from Auschwitz, or as it is known around here, Oswiecim, where his observations and experiments took place.
So in a bit of reflecting, remembering that I have been formally educated, conditioned, and possess the skills to study people like a zoologist studies animals or an astronomer studies space, I wondered where the difference actually lies?
My conclusion is that I remember that the patients are people. Like me. I am not concerned with their value to society. There are no “lesser creatures” as is a common designation to dehumanize competing populations. They are not subjects, which are the designations of the targets of scientific observation; that the purpose and focus of medicine is not the scientific study of these organisms, but using that knowledge to help those who seek it. It is the difference between a medical scientist and a doctor or other healthcare provider.
For when we lose sight of the humanity and its sufferings, goals, hopes, and perceived value, and cross into absolute objectivity and ruthless efficiency of imposing our knowledge and abilities upon the most vulnerable of society, those who prostrate themselves to us in their broken form and ask for help, then we have crossed a very unfortunate line.
I hope you will all give some consideration to what exactly it is our goals and measure of success is and should be.
I like to think that the goal is not sustaining an organism simply because we have the will and power to do so. I affectionately refer to it as “Frankenstein medicine.”
With power comes responsibility and corruption.
On a happier note, after my last reflection here didn't go so well, I think I will start a blog. Just out of curiosity, is anyone interested in reading it?
