History and Politics of the American Medical Field - Assignment Example

I. History and Politics of the Medical Field A. Ethical history History of standards B. Patient relations Relations between doctors and patients C. Confidentiality 1. Patients right to secrecy D. Patient understanding 1. Disclosure to the patient E. Further consultation 1. Second opinions F. Strikes 1. Discusses unaccepted behavior G. Orthodox vs. newer methods 1. Relationship of the methods II. Work Cited History and Politics of the American Medical Field Ethical History When the physician, Dr. Heinrich Stern, visited the physicians’ college in 1913 London he decided the United States also needed an educational group like the one he observed in England. The development of medicines here in the United States was very slow at the time, but many improvements were starting to show up. Everything was just beginning to reach clarity, and a board of medicine was finally created in 1936. Furthermore, the American College of Physicians was created in New York City during 1915 as a result of Dr. Sterns plans. Many early meetings were held, and the college was very successful. The college later relocated to Philadelphia, and also required certification for acceptance. The college slowly branched out into all of the states, and has maintained much respect throughout history. There is not a set standard of ethics for the college, but moral integrity always has been a natural way of living in college. Every member should be very responsible, presentable, and socially intelligent. An ethical manual was designed by many educational experts, but is only meant to be used as an ethical “guideline” which addresses many of the major issues dealing with the physician’s standards. These ethical standards which physicians live by have been developed over the course of time, and began naturally with the very first physicians. Patient Relations The relationship between the physician and patient has also developed very well over time. As the physicians goal is always to improve the medical condition while preserving the respect of the patient. The first practices of medicine were based on a trusting relationship that would allow the doctor to use medical knowledge to treat the patient. However, constant improvement in this field along with many breakthroughs has allowed the relationships to develop into an unbreakable bond. The financial situations of the medical field in America have also changed greatly over the course of time. The physician should explain all of the medical expenses before treating the patient, but still has the responsibility of sharing the knowledge of the field with anyone who may need help. It is the physicians’ choice of who will receive the medical treatment in accordance with the medical field. Confidentiality The confidentiality of the patients is also the physicians concern. The doctor has the obligation to keep all medical records secret unless it would result in the harm of the patient or another person. This policy was not as well enforced in the past as it is in today’s society because of the many legal changed that have occurred. The records of any patient automatically belong to that particular patient; however, some records may be held back for sensitivity issues, but may be available instantly on a central computer system in the future. Patient Understanding Another main issue of this field is the disclosure procedure that will fully inform the patient of his medical problem and how it is treated. This procedure should be very informative of everything happening with the patient, and should also help in the healing process. It can be a very difficult task especially if the problem is very serious for the patient’s health; however, it is still the doctors’ duty to tell the patient the entire problem using as much sensitivity, and respect as possible. If the patient is in a condition that will demand the help of a family member, or third party, the doctor will then make the decision of what to say that the third party with all respect for the patient’s welfare.Since World War II, the main physicians’ rule that they all must accept is that the patient must know the medical condition, and approve of the treatment. If the patient is not able to make a good decision about the treatment, the doctor must then act on what is best always trying to do exactly what the patient would want done. A written agreement is not always sufficient in this case because the agreement should be a mutual understanding between the physician and patient that is fully aware of everything that needs to be understood about the condition. Further Consultation Consultation is also a very important step in the medical profession since no doctor can ever be an expert in every know medicine. It is recommended that consultation from other doctors be made to ensure the correct medicine, and dosage are given. Further consultation can also be suggested if it is the patients request to find out more on the medication that is being given. There have also been many cases of conflicting interest within the medical field that have produced many difficulties for doctors as well as patients. If for some reason the patient is not willing to accept the recommended treatment that the doctor is very confident in giving there may be a very serious problem. In this case the doctor may choose to speak to other medical personal about the problem, and if necessary can also consult the patients family and friends in severe cases. Strikes There have also been many work strikes by physicians that feel they are being wrongly treated in the medical field (Annals, p. 153). However, these kinds of displays are not tolerated because refusing to treat people in need of medical service is completely unaccepted. There are many other ways to deal with certain problems, but the refusal of medical service is not tolerated by any individual or group. Orthodox vs. Newer Methods Many medical breakthroughs have been made in the field of medicine. In the past many people used to think that some lay physicians were better at practicing medicine than an ordinary physician. There was not much conflict between the two groups at first, but the educated physician began to establish a reputation after the revolution period in time. The more educated physicians began to write material concerning the development, and were also helping the more orthodox teacher to assign the proper duties to those that were qualified (De Ville, p. 245). Many women were also involved in the transformation from the orthodox methods to the more advanced medical procedures by circulating all the needed literature which later began opening many doors for women in the medical field (Ettinger, p. 176). The Future of Medical Practice The medical field is constantly making a huge amount of progress in the diagnosis, and treatment of all humanity. Throughout all of the procedures, and educational advancements that have been made at a continuing rate the medical field still has a very hopeful future. Even through some financial setbacks, and illness that still do not have a cure, many dedicated medical physicians are risking their lives every day to fight the diseases that plague the entire nation. These men and women who are on call 24 hours a day for the purpose of healing the wounded will continue to battle the unknown causes, and help those who are in need of medical attention. As medical progress has been made from the beginning of time, it will continue to save lives in the future. Work Cited Annals of American History, “American College of Physicians Ethics Manual Part I: History of medical ethics, the physician and the patient, the physicians relationship to other physicians, thephysician and society.” Ad Hoc Committee on Medical Ethics, AmericanCollege of Physicians.[Ann Intern Med], Jul., 1984, Vol. 101 (1), p. 129-37. De Ville, Kenneth, “Enter the Physician: The Transformation of Domestic Medicine, 1760-1860. HistoryofAmerican Science and Technology Series [book review]” The Journal of Southern History, May, 1993, Vol. 59, Issue 2, p 334-336, 3p. Ettinger, Laura, “Women Physicians and the Cultures of Medicine” American Historical Review Oct., 2010, Vol. 115, Issue 4, p. 1162-1163, 2p Read More