Blending Western Biomedicine with Local Healing Practices

Abstract

Western allopathic physicians working internationally might encounter allopathic colleagues who endorse local healing practices that are not scientifically supported and, hence, might pose harm to patients. Respect for the autonomy of local physicians and patients thus can conflict with the ethical principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence. In such a situation, it is advisable for Western allopathic physicians to communicate their concerns to local colleagues as equal partners. Making an effort to understand local meanings associated with a traditional therapy demonstrates one's respect for local cultural ideas and practices, even if one disagrees with that therapy, and is crucial to tailoring messages about clinical practice change. A realistic approach to cross-cultural clinical practice change seeks to reduce, rather than eliminate, harm.

COVID-19 preparedness and social dynamics in a Sub-Saharan Africa country, Benin

“…Similarly, Carolyn Sargent, in her ground-breaking medical anthropological studies of Benin, begs the question how ‘collaborative relationships’ are possible in practical terms ( Chary and Sargent, 2016 ). Sargent allows us to see an even more interesting tension ( Stroeken et al , 2017 ) than the merely epistemological and systemic conflict between Western (allopathic) medicine and any non-Western medicine.…”