Exploring Medical Anthropology, Essay Example

Within the field of medical anthropology, professionals attempt to analyze and discuss the social aspects that influence medical treatment and diagnosis.  The information learned from this chapter focused on the different elements that involve researching traditional and modern medical systems. As a part of this research the types of questions being asked, to whom they are asked, and the qualitative research methods being utilized all play a role in the medical anthropologist’s ability to properly observe, document and analyze the medical treatment system in these environments.

If the traditional South African medical system that it used in tribes were to be compared to the modern medical system in northern Egypt, there would be many different types of questions and methods utilized to understand each system.  For instance, even though these two systems are located in the same country, they are still worlds apart. Each system would require long-term qualitative research that would force the anthropologist to get involved within the community and the medical system not just as an observer but as an actor. This is discussed by the author’s example of the Peruvian shaman in which it was necessary to become a trusted member of the society before information would be divulged. This suggests that a trust factor is in play in any medical system or society.  The greatest tool that the medical anthropologist could use is patient observation.  Patient observation involves directly observing and acting within the system in order to gain a qualitative and holistic understanding for the methods utilized and how these methods are impacted by social factors.

For each system, it would be important to study the types of treatment that are available.  This includes the type of medical tools that are at the medical provider’s disposal as well as any drugs, herbs or other substances that may be used for medical treatment.  Furthermore, it would be important to test and analyze the role that spirituality or religion play in the methods.  Perhaps the South African tribal method involves a spiritual ritual before any medical healing can occur, while a modern Egyptian hospital may simply have the person fill out paperwork and then see the doctor.  It would also be beneficial to determine how assistants are chosen to support the medical healer’s work as well as what type of training is involved for the two medical systems.  All of these are critical questions to determining the similarities and differences of these traditional and modern systems as well as discovering the role that society has played in molding the system to fit its specific needs.

There would be many barriers to face within performing a study of this magnitude.  The traditional system would likely propose the most barriers to research because these individuals are less trusting of an outsider.  It may be very difficult to actually speak with a medical provider in this system or it may be a long period of time before you earn the society’s trust enough to be allowed to observe medical rituals.  On the other hand, the modern system may have specific patient confidentiality concerns or government regulations that may prohibit exactly what can be seen.  Also, a specific practitioner or medical facility may have its own restrictions on the abilities of outsiders to perform research on their treatment methods.  All of these factors are involved in the research process and drastically impact the medical anthropologist’s ability to perform a study of this type.

References

Joralemon, Donald. Exploring Medical Anthropology. 3rd ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2010. Print.