Download Multicultural Bioethics

Multicultural Bioethics
Aray Koishymanova
Fall 2007
HPS 442
Stereotype v. Generalization
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Stereotype: a fixed idea or image that many
people have of a particular type of person or
thing (ending point.)
Generalization: a general statement that is
based on only a few facts or examples
(beginning point).
Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (sixth edition).
Stereotype v. Generalization
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Mrs. Mendez, Mexican patient, 62
Had a by-pass on her leg
She complained about the pain
Everything seemed alright for the nurse;
he thought she was a “whining Mexican
female who, as usual, was exaggerating her
pain.”
Excessive blood put pressure on her nerves.
Cultural Differences
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A Buddhist monk from Cambodia, 20, did not
want female nurse to take care after him.
Inez Said from Iran was interrupted while
praying.
Mrs. Burlatti, Italian, was upset to take off her
rosary necklace.
Keiko, Japanese, was upset to be operated in
room #4.
Coin rubbing and cupping practices.
Cultural Complications
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Emma Chapman, 62, refused possible
cardiac by-pass.
Susi, Jehovah’s Witness, 37, was transfused
blood against her wish.
Mr. Saelee, Mien patient, refused, 42, refused
blood drawing
Mary Cloud, Cherokee Indian, 83, refused
operation, instead wanted to see a medicine
man.
Bioethics Overseas
Patients’ right movement in 1960s and 1970s in the
US lead to development of bioethics.
 Bioethics in Japan:
Before: Non-disclosure of medical information
After: Discloser is more common (71% in 1998)
 Bioethics in India:
Before: “The doctor knows best”
After: Take into account close relatives, the elderly in
the community, and State officials (Charaka.)
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What Is the purpose of Medical
Profession?
“The goal of medical system is to provide optimal
care for all patients.”
Galanti