An Opportunity for the TCM Practitioner

People and consumers of healthcare, in the US, are realizing that the conflict of interests of financial incentives involving doctors is becoming a big problem. They understand that not only does this conflict affect the moral standing of a physician but that it puts their healthcare at risk. Simply, doctors basing their clinical decisions on monetary incentives is not in the best interest to their treatment and health. More consumers are complaining that the fact drug companies present these incentives to doctors is, in itself, disturbing.

There have been many results to the “Awakening” of the US healthcare consumer. One result is that due to their continual disillusionment of how the US healthcare system is being run, they are now looking for alternative ways to treat their illnesses. I, myself, have been approached by many such consumers. When I talk with these people, the first thing I sense is their sense of frustration and their desire to be treated by practitioners in a field that are not motivated by making money. They also express to me that they want a more wholesome approach in treating their health.

I quickly realized that this presents a great opportunity for TCM practitioners. In fact, I can think no time that is critical as this for a TCM practitioner to polish his skills in presentation. He should not only center his presentations on the value of this medicine but, more importantly, in explaining to this awakening US health consumer that TCM does not have any conflict of interest with drug companies that the typical Western physician does. Such presentations will not only educate that person but elevate the moral standing of TCM in their eyes.

In previous discussions, I have touched upon the importance of discussing clinical issues with patients and doctors in a language they are comfortable with. It has been my experience that US healthcare consumers are more receptive to discussions of their health in Western clinical terms. In order for us, TCM practitioners, to present the lack of conflict of financial interests as compared to Western doctors, we must discuss this issue in such a manner.