More holistic approach is needed

Editor - In his letter Holliman suggests that the British spend too much time idolising America and its inhabitants.¹ I believe that he is mistaken. Medicine now and over the centuries has taken treatments from many cultures and altered them to fit a Western biomedical model of medical practice. We only have to look at the increase in the number of medical schools offering courses in homeopathic medicine and alternative therapies to realise that we certainly do not take our lead from America.

The impression I got from Holliman's letter was, however, that medicine could only move forward through innovations in the laboratory. Perhaps he has spent too long at the lab bench himself? A more holistic approach to patient management will allow more effective implementation of current treatments. Informing medical students about effective communication and social models of ill health equips them better to serve all of their patient's needs once they have become doctors. Basic research may hold a special interest for a small minority, but it is the crucial qualities of good communication and empathy that will best serve the majority.

Anthony Carey, fourth year medical student, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle NE1 4LP


studentBMJ 1999;07:394-436 November ISSN 0966-6494

1. Holliman D. Britain's researchers should not have been overlooked. studentBMJ 1999;7:387. (October.)