Doctors proudly declare themselves scientists. But is this really true? Although
science is based on the scientific method of predictability and reliability,
healthcare is often unpredictable and unreliable. Perhaps healthcare is, in part,
a religion, in which the doctor (priest) inquires about symptoms (sins),
prescribes a medicine (sacrament), and performs a procedure (baptism), in
order to cure (save) the patient (parishioner) of sickness (eternal damnation)
and restore health (grace). Both healthcare and religion depend on faith.
Rapid Response:
Is healthcare a religion?
Doctors proudly declare themselves scientists. But is this really true? Although
science is based on the scientific method of predictability and reliability,
healthcare is often unpredictable and unreliable. Perhaps healthcare is, in part,
a religion, in which the doctor (priest) inquires about symptoms (sins),
prescribes a medicine (sacrament), and performs a procedure (baptism), in
order to cure (save) the patient (parishioner) of sickness (eternal damnation)
and restore health (grace). Both healthcare and religion depend on faith.
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests: No competing interests