Chapter 1: Understanding Medical Ethics

For quite some time, I've harbored the belief that doctors may profit from my illness or my prolonged suffering.

When I reflect on the number of individuals around me relying on medications for issues like hypertension or diabetes, it seems that nearly thirty percent—or even more—of them could fall into this category, particularly among older adults.

While some might not find this statistic concerning, consider this: if a third of the tomatoes you bought were spoiled, wouldn’t you confront the shopkeeper? Yet, this analogy falters because humans are not tomatoes, and their creation hasn’t changed over time.

Returning to the topic at hand, each person I know who is prescribed medication for blood pressure or diabetes claims they have a unique or rare condition, as explained by their physician, which necessitates ongoing medication.

"They refer to hypertension and diabetes as the silent killers," noted one acquaintance. I responded, "Really? Have you ever examined the side effects listed on your medication's informational leaflet? They are quite explicit."

This is often a challenge—encouraging individuals to unlearn misinformation, especially after they've invested in it. More troubling is the fear instilled in them by medical professionals.

When patients are diagnosed with high blood pressure or diabetes, they are typically warned against certain foods and advised to avoid specific physical activities. This is because, in addition to prescribing medication, the doctor seems to be intent on ensuring the patient remains reliant on it.

Unfortunately, in many cases, if a physician knows that a particular hypertension medication should only be taken when blood pressure reaches a certain threshold, they may manipulate the patient’s diet and exercise regimen to convince them that medication is necessary.

People who are aware of the underlying issues recognize that hypertension and diabetes are not diseases in themselves. Rather, they are conditions that can be managed through proper nutrition and regular physical activity.

In this discussion, I didn’t intend to delve into the specifics of healthy eating or beneficial exercise. My focus was on the pervasive fear that doctors instill in patients facing hypertension and diabetes. Why can’t they offer education and empower their patients?

I can’t shake the feeling that, for some time now, doctors appear to gain from my illness or my ongoing health struggles. This sentiment feels both reasonable and genuine.

Principles of Medical Ethics and Etiquette: Autonomy, Beneficence, Non-maleficence, and Justice - This video discusses the core principles that guide medical professionals in ethical decision-making and patient care.

Chapter 2: The Intersection of Law and Healthcare Ethics

In the realm of healthcare, understanding the relationship between law and ethics is critical for practitioners. This connection helps ensure that patient care is not only effective but also compliant with legal standards.

How Law and Ethics Are Essential to Health Care Practitioners? - This video examines the crucial role that legal and ethical guidelines play in the work of healthcare professionals.