Frequently Asked Questions
Undoubtedly, everyone asks questions- some of these quite frequently. Here I have some collection- to which I will add more in due course. The answers reflect my views. The visitors are advised again to evaluate and implement in the light of current medical knowledge and research.
As quoted by Wikipedia-"Allopathic medicine is the name given by Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of homeopathy, to the methods of his medical foes. The term is sometimes used today to refer to conventional medicine. The correct meaning and use of the term is a point of disputation, even among the authorities."
In fact, medicine is changing- it is now different from what we were taught as MBBS students. The thin line between various Pathies is disappearing. A modern doctor (teacher) understand that any stream of medicine firstly should not harm and adequate evidences are available which proves the effect (side-effects). Further, there is a wide gap between research and practice. Research is a long tedious process of hypothesis, proof and disprove consider by public as experimental or those work done in labs. However, Practice is guided by culture, public acceptance, level of awareness and mass appeal. It take a long time for a research to be a part of practice.
I would prefer the term "Modern medicine" than being labelled as "allopathy" because modern medicine encompass wider area not restricted to use of "drugs" alone. Rather modern medicine uses physiotherapy, Yoga, naturopathy, diet and nutrition, immuno-therapy (vaccines and hyposensitization for allergen), counseling (though time does not permit medical practitioner to value it's efficacy) and Ayurved (ancient Indian practice of medicine) in it's most natural form.
All said, I still believe that all system of medicines are good if they bring well being in physical, mental, social and spiritual areas to human and the modern medicine system should in no way oppose other streams unless proved otherwise.
Author: Dr Kuldeep. Updatesd last 19th Januray 2012
Medicine is considered to be a soft science. It is a science as it is based on evidences. Evidences can be clinical as a well as laboratory based and follows all scientific principles. It is a soft science because one cannot be 100 percent confirmed (unlike mathematical calculations) given the myriad of reaction occurring inside the body at a time and it's interaction with drug, device or maneuver. Much advances have occurred in modern medicine because of our increased understanding of molecular mechanisms. Still medical scientists are puzzled by new information revealed by experimentations and research.
One cannot be absolutely sure of a particular remedy for even a diagnosed condition. Not everyone respond similarly to one drug due to various reason (Pharmacogenomics). However, MODERN MEDICINE try to seek explanation before it's use in general population. Therefore, some of diseases cannot be treated till date.
Other system of medicine claim to have cure for certain diseases. Most of time evidences are lacking and are based on selective and biased studies.
Recently, global interest has been aroused in Indian system of treatment with Ayurvedic. This will have a impact on human kind but effect will take a long time to become evident. In Ayurvedic medicines, it is not the single chemical compound but a proportions of different compound that are required to elicit response. To go deeper into it requires large scale randomized, double blind, controlled studies. Some of the clinical studies have been done by Himalayan Drug Company but international scientific community is yet to accept.
Yoga as a science does to belong to any system but is being adopted by most stream and by modern medicine.
Every system of medicine has it's own limitation and advantages and hence cannot be compared. They may however complement other.
It is a saying that "Informed people make better decision" and this is true for the matter which concerns your health also. Internet is booming with information on health and diseases. The material is available in following forms:
1. Disease and their initial dealing by a layman as regarding where, how and by whom one can get treatment/management. The general public should understand that it take years for a health professional to learn about all aspect of a disorder and after all they are expert in their field and profession. It will not be possible for a person to know everything in just few days or weeks with the help of a particular website.
2. Second source of information is by research which is meant for only health professionals who can only judge, weigh and verify the utility of the information. The general public should be aware that it again takes years for a research information to be available for clinical trials on general public for their use.
3 The third source of information is given by Media newspapers, magazine, TV shows and off course internet. Since such type of information is just to make news may be bloated out of proportion to the reality. For example, newspaper may make a headline- "new treatment found for cancer" where in fact they derive this information from an early research article published in a peer reviewed journal meant for medical community for cancer research.
This brings us to a big question as to how to use information on internet to the best of our health. I strongly suggest to all to please go through following websites before visiting any website (including mine) related to health:
These web pages contains links and interested reader go deeper into the details as per their understanding and appetite for information.
Created and compiled by drkuldeep on 19th January 2012
I am a recognized and qualified Pediatrician and Medical Genetic Expert from Indore, India, having about 22 years of experience in managing different childhood conditions and Genetic problems. Before you contact me you should read my privacy policy, terms and condition and Disclaimer given below. Like any expert in this field, I can support, not replace the relationship which exist between you and your family doctor. Physicians based on their qualifications and experience may differ in their advice and opinion to a particular conditions. It is best for the patient or parent to research and analyze the information from different aspects before accepting and applying to themselve. Advice on internet cannot replace the advice given after detail direct personal evaluation of the patient by your doctor. You may contact me at kulpra@hotmail.com for details.
My website will provide information related to Child Health, Genetics and Medical education.
You can read my above answer for evaluating information on net.
Created 4th July 2008
Updated 19th January 2012
You can expect my answer in 72 hours unless I am away.
I am a Medical Teacher and therefore I can guide, facilitate and mentor my medical students. They are free to contact me anytime from anywhere and I will be glad to help them. As a so-convenor of Medical Education Unit, I am also helping my junior faculty in their Professional Development.
Our medical Education Unit has been given a status of Regional Training Center by Medical Council of India in March 2011 and launched with first workshop in May 2011.
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