The amount of information control and censorship against Natural Medicine & Holistic Healthcare is unethical. It has silenced many medical professionals who take a complementary and more natural approach to healing. This has lead to government policies, changing payment systems, and models for delivering care that has not produced a healthier society.
Money in Sick People
Much of US healthcare spending is predicated on fear and worry, which creates more and more services that inevitably deliver less and less. Several studies have documented that in communities where there are more doctors and more hospital beds, though more money is spent on health care, the outcomes are not better (Health Affairs). Unfortunately, in some analyses, the outcomes are worse (National Institute of Health).
In the US, private enterprises and special interest groups have passed legislation that challenges the principles of the American Medical Association; specifically the over-prescription of pharmaceuticals. It is important to note that Zen’s Medicine advocates for holistic healthcare that treats all aspects of health: people’s emotional health, mental health, social health, physical health, and overall wellness.
Ethics in Public Health
Medical articles published on the effectiveness of natural medicine & holistic healthcare are rarely promoted by mainstream news outlets. Some believe it is because of acute financial incentives or sponsors with conflicts of interest. By centralizing healthcare information and services that educate and empower the general public Zen’s Medicine hopes to balance profit-driven Western mainstream medical ideology (BMC Complementary and alternative medicine). Zen’s Medicine philosophy is NOT anti-pharmaceutical but maintains a preventative and holistic approach to health.
Have you noticed that Doctors are spending more time looking at the computer screen and less time speaking to you the patient? According to the American Journal of Emergency Medicine, in 4000 clicks: a productivity analysis of electronic medical records in a community hospital ED, there is evidence to show that hospital visits are resulting in less patient satisfaction and trust. As a response, Zen’s Medicine offers virtual services with physicians, in the hope to bring balance to the healthcare community.
Healthcare that Cares
The ethical responsibilities of healthcare providers is a foundation for many debates within bioethics, fundamental healing principles, concepts of disease, academics, and research. The ethics of medicine and healthcare are no different. Zen’s Medicine believes that to deny anyone knowledge that can extend, save, or improve one’s quality of life is inhumane.
Because knowledge is power, to censor or silence life-saving medical information, is not only an abuse of power but is morally wrong. Zen’s Medicine has created this Ethics of Medicine page because unfortunately, few healthcare institutions offer this explanation or disclaimer.
To learn more about the Ethics of Medicine CLICK HERE. The topics, cases, and resources covered on this Site are intended to be used as a resource by the public health community. It is not designed to answer patient-specific clinical, professional, legal, or ethical questions.