Professional treatment in the context of medical pluralism—A German perspective

Abstract 

The current debate on medical professionalism is challenged by situations of co-existent “conventional” and “complementary/alternative” medical approaches. The issue of this article is how to realize professional behaviour in such pluralistic context.

Medical pluralism is presented as consequence of the inherent pluralistic feature of science. Both conventional and complementary medical approaches need to adhere to the ethical principles and commitments of the medical profession. Though questioning scientific mainstream models, professional pluralism means to comply with scientific attitude. It calls for an unfolding of the premises and consequences of the respective therapeutic concepts. Scientific orientation of individual therapy includes competence, rational assessment of the patient's situation, clinical experience, knowledge of external evidence, and a critical evaluation of the course of disease. Furthermore, shared decision making on individual therapy requires empathy and the consideration of the patient's perspective.

Keywords: Professionalism in medicine, Medical pluralism, Complementary medicine, Medical ethics, Dialogue forum on pluralism in medicine, Therapy evaluation, Patient perspectives