Shifting gears...

I'm going to take a bit of a break from the headier naturopathic philosophy for a few months.  Those posts take a lot of energy to write because I like to put quite a bit of thought into them - especially because what I write seems to affect the way people view naturopathic medicine as a whole (that's a big responsibility!).

I would love to get feedback from you, my lovely readers, about what you would like to hear next.  At this point, though I am just a handful of credits away from graduation, I am still considered a naturopathic medical student, so no requests for medical advice please (they can kick me out of school for that).  Writing about herbs, general nutrition, recipes, naturopathic modalities (like counseling or manipulation), or medical conditions (with no health advice) are still fair game.  I also have plenty of patient stories (no, I won't name them by their real name), personal stories, and random/fun experiences with naturopathic medicine.  You may even twist my arm into writing about myself (gasp!) if you ask nicely...

So what'll it be? You name it, I'll think about it/research it and write it.

Docere - Doctor as Teacher

We are in the age of passive medicine.

Our current medical model reimburses physicians for investigating/making a diagnosis, and managing treatment of that particular diagnosis.   Physicians get paid for the diagnosis or treatment, not for the amount of time spent with patients (with some exceptions).  This leads to short patient visits and very little time discussing the rationale behind the treatment or the implications of the diagnosis.  The result is what I call "passive medicine,"  because the patient has almost no active role in the healing process.

The role of the naturopathic physician is to fulfill the original meaning of the word doctor.  "Doctor" derives from the Latin "docere," which means "To Teach".  The process of education shifts the role of participation back to the patients so they can take control of their own health. 

Bastyr University describes the principle of Docere as such:

"Naturopathic physicians educate the patient and encourage self-responsibility for health. They also acknowledge the therapeutic value inherent in the doctor-patient relationship."

This definition of Docere is really describing empowerment.  Naturopathic physicians teach so patients can reclaim authority over their own bodies.  Empowered patients are savvy healthcare consumers and are better able to stay safe and prevent mix-ups in the medical system. Educated patients also tend to have more success in completing treatments, and feel more confident in their health.

The concept of Doctor as Teacher is really about shifting the balance of power back to the patient.  Personal empowerment is the only prescription that can create permanent change leading to better health.