1985 Initiatives / Tragedies

Abstract

In this issue Jacques Kriel looks back over a few centuries at some of the long-term changes in the doctor-patient relationship. Advances have demonshable benefit but simultaneously leave disadvantages in their wake. Ian Mc- Whinney says that the present upsurge in the worldwide Family Medicine movement is due to this phenomenon. Unbridled growth in science and technology has had a dehumanizing effect People are rejecting this and asking for something different We cannot simply return to the past. In no way do we want to do away with science and technology. We are being asked to bridle and limit them to become the servants of people. Too often we are intimidated into subservience; processing patients through machines with clinical efficiency. In so doing we destroy something of our humanity. Have you been wheeled into a scanner with everything around you cold, clean and silent leaving you ever so lonely with all your fears and questions ?