Tags:
I am a physician with no religious affiliation. I specialize in Leukemia/Lymphoma lab medicine.
In my field, evolution is observable. Many leukemias and lymphomas have identifiable genetic/molecular mutations that are examples of evolution (refer to http://asheducationbook.hematologylibrary.org/cgi/content/full/2009... for an article directly related to evolution and my field). With respect to Natural Selection, these are obviously not advantageous mutations, but they are examples of observable evolution nonetheless.
With respect to understanding evolution, I believe it is extremely important for understanding disease and developing cutting edge treatments. However, I would imagine many primary care providers can provide excellent care regardless of their understanding of or acceptance of evolution. Personally, I do think their ability to truly understand disease and pathophysiology is hindered if they don't understand evolution, but a lack of understanding or accepting evolution is unlikely to affect their ability to provide quality primary care- unless of course they have gone off the deep end and think prayer or churchgoing will cure disease.
You should check with any local secular organizations in your area or a Unitarian Universalist church near you for potential recommendations/references. I would imagine you might find a physician, or at least get a reference, in a nearby secular group or UUC. If not, I would recommend you call the office of any prospective doctor and simply explain your concerns to the office staff. I would hope the doctors would be sincere and recommend you find someone else if they do not possess the qualities you are seeking.
Good luck.
Thanks RV. I'll look into any secular organizations. I certainly want a doctor whom is going to be strictly science based. The attitude of dealing with information rationally is what I'm concerned with. When you choose a doctor, you are choosing someone to interpret the data for you. Putting my life into the hands of someone I fundamentally disagree with to begin with doesn't make sense to me.
But the real issue is any bedside manner. It would rarely be an issue, but eliminating the problem before it rears it's potential head at a time like during illness makes sense. This would apply down to the office staff and dealing with them. The last thing that I would need to hear after being diagnosed with cancer is, "Do you know Jesus?"
During my clinical rotations I get to know quite a few doctors, especially the ER docs. I must admit I've met a few who hold quite obvious religious affiliation, however I've never known of a doctor to let his belief come before his practice. Honestly I feel that attempting to find a secular/rational doctor might be an unnecessary pipe dream, though not by any means unheard of.
All I'm trying to say is that, regardless of faith, a doctor's first priority is normally his practice and his patients.
"Do no harm."
I want a doctor who knows medicine in side and out. granted i would rather not have a doctor who believes that the world is only 6000 years old, but if that same doctor has a really good record of curing patients, thats good enough for me.
Started by D L in Small Talk Nov 27, 2018. 0 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Jeremy in Society Nov 27, 2018. 0 Replies 0 Likes
Started by D L in Small Talk. Last reply by D L Sep 20, 2018. 3 Replies 0 Likes
Started by rationalrevolution in The Bible, The Koran, and other scripture. Last reply by Mike Lansing Nov 8, 2018. 1 Reply 0 Likes
Started by D L in Small Talk. Last reply by D L Feb 22, 2018. 2 Replies 0 Likes
Posted by Muhammad ali on August 5, 2017 at 9:27am 0 Comments 0 Likes
Posted by Brad Snowder on July 9, 2017 at 1:08am 0 Comments 0 Likes
© 2019 Created by Rebel.
Powered by