Ethics in Medicine

             inability to sit still for long periods of time. With the help of an X-ray examination, it reveals .
             that there is a fallen lumbar disc. Being that this condition has taken place throughout the course .
             of a year, she has been treated with conventional pain medication that has had minimal effect or .
             results. Her physician recommends back surgery, but this particular patient is reluctant to take .
             this option. Instead, she asks the doctor to refer her to an acupuncturist because her insurance .
             coverage requires a physician's approval for "alternative" therapy. She mentions to the physician .
             that she has tried acupuncture before, and it has helped her out, atleast better than other .
             conventional methods.The problem occurs because this doctor is skeptical about any kind of .
             alternative therapy. This derives partly from his belief that, the approach taught in Western .
             medical schools, is the most efficient because it has been scientifically proven through clinical .
             trials. He has also had extensive positive experience with surgical treatment for this woman's .
             condition. In his view, other forms of medicine are at best placebos, and he does not see it as his .
             duty to recommend them, in fact the doctor refuses to order the acupuncture, disregarding .
             the patients wants.This case illustrates a common scenario in doctors" offices. Many patients seek .
             alternative therapies because conventional medicine has not brought them satisfaction. But the .
             question is if it is up to their physicians to make these referrals? .
             The way that I personally take the principle is basically meaning that if it was followed, .
             then the physician would have went ahead and made the referral. As far as the patient was .
             concerned, the acupunture was a method that works for her. Everything is not right for .
             everybody, and she doesn't feel that surgery is necessary. Overall it is for the doctor to look out .
             for the patient's interest, and what works best for them, but to deny them ones assistance in the .