The Baha\u2019i teachings advise everyone to seek competent physicians when they\u2019re ill \u2014 yet another reflection of the primary Baha\u2019i principle of the agreement of science and religion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Seeking the best medical care is a fundamental aspect of maintaining good health \u2014 and we all deserve to be as healthy as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Baha\u2019u\u2019llah<\/a>, the prophet and founder of the Baha\u2019i Faith, recommended that when we get sick, we should consult competent physicians: \u201cResort ye, in times of sickness, to competent physicians; We have not set aside the use of material means, rather have We confirmed it through this Pen<\/strong> \u2026\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n RELATED: Can Our Thoughts Affect Our Health?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n But sometimes, it\u2019s hard to find a doctor who we can trust. So, given the complexity of modern medicine, how do we determine a physician\u2019s competence? The Baha\u2019i writings give us some clues:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. The doctor should know the patient, as well as the disease and its remedies. In his book Some Answered Questions<\/em>, Abdu\u2019l-Baha <\/a>suggested<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The physician must be fully aware and informed of all the parts and organs, the constitution and condition of the patient, in order to prescribe an effective remedy. Indeed, it is from the disease itself that the physician deduces the remedy, for he first diagnoses the ailment and then treats its underlying cause. Until the ailment is properly diagnosed, how can the treatment or remedy be prescribed? The physician must therefore have a thorough knowledge of the constitution, the parts, organs, and condition of the patient, and likewise be acquainted with every disease and every remedy, in order to prescribe the appropriate cure.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n 2. The Baha\u2019i teachings emphasize the value of knowledge and education. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When evaluating potential physicians, individuals should consider the doctor\u2019s educational background, qualifications, and experience. Researching a physician\u2019s credentials can help ensure that they are well-trained and competent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n My husband had glaucoma, and in the early stages, while it was being monitored, he had a retinal detachment. Unfortunately, the retinal surgeon prescribed medicine, which caused his glaucoma to activate, causing further vision loss. You\u2019d think that diseases of the eye, such a small part of the body, would be understood by all the eye specialists, but this was not the case. The retinal specialist only understood the retina, and the glaucoma specialist only understood the disease of glaucoma, and neither consulted with the other. These were not competent physicians, no matter their credentials, by the above definition!<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. The Baha\u2019i teachings place great importance on trustworthiness and ethical conduct. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When choosing a physician, individuals should assess the doctor\u2019s reputation for honesty, integrity, and ethical behavior. Reading reviews and seeking recommendations from trusted sources can provide some insight into a physician\u2019s character.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. Importantly, doctors should know the different remedies and medicines, as Abdu\u2019l-Baha pointed out<\/a> in Some Answered Questions<\/em>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A human being does not remain always in the same condition: Different ailments occur and each calls for a specific remedy. Thus an able physician does not treat all ailments in the same manner but varies the treatments and remedies in accordance with the requirements of these various ailments and conditions.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Unfortunately, in many material civilizations, much of the doctor\u2019s knowledge of prescription drugs comes from pharmaceutical companies, who have their own agendas to promote, which aren\u2019t always in the interest of each patient. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 5. The Baha\u2019i teachings emphasize a holistic approach to well-being, recognizing the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Individuals should seek physicians who consider the whole person and promote well-rounded care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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