Biomedicine is in the business of doing ceremonial things unceremoniously. As clinicians, we bear witness to solemn life milestones of patients and families including birth and death. However, we often fail to bear witness to the joy and sorrow that manifests during these events. In keeping our safe, scientific distance, we may become inured to […]
Cultural Barrier
Microlecture 021: How Rituals Promote Healing
Microlecture 018: Should We Sugarcoat Bad News?
There is a lot of debate about how to give bad news to a patient in a culturally respectful manner. Some cultures value direct communication without any frills. Other cultures prefer to be more subtle. In certain cultures, the family will not want the patient to ever know the bad news about their condition. What […]
