title: Blending Western Biomedicine with Local Healing Practices.
abstract: Western allopathic physicians working internationally might encounter allopathic colleagues who endorse local healing practices that are not scientifically supported and, hence, might pose harm to patients. Respect for the autonomy of local physicians and patients thus can conflict with the ethical principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence. In such a situation, it is advisable for Western allopathic physicians to communicate their concerns to local colleagues as equal partners. Making an effort to understand local meanings associated with a traditional therapy demonstrates one's respect for local cultural ideas and practices, even if one disagrees with that therapy, and is crucial to tailoring messages about clinical practice change. A realistic approach to cross-cultural clinical practice change seeks to reduce, rather than eliminate, harm.
authors.affiliation: Research director of Maya Health Alliance, a health services nongovernmental organization in Guatemala.
authors.forename: Anita
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chary
authors.affiliation: Professor of anthropology and an affiliate professor of women, gender, and sexuality studies at Washington University in St. Louis.
authors.forename: Carolyn
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sargent
mesh_terms: D026686:Beneficence; D003142:Communication; D032882:Comprehension; D054521:Cultural Competency; D003469:Culture; D003657:Decision Making; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008519:Medicine, Traditional; D028681:Moral Obligations; D010820:Physicians