Magic or Medicine? An Investigation of Healing and Healers

Janet Arnett is the former campus manager of adult education at Ontario’s Georgian College. She is the author of Antiques and Collectibles: Starting Small, The Grange at Knock, and 673 Ways to Save Money.

Should doctors treat their patients or their patients’ illnesses? This
distinction accounts for the increased use of alternative therapies at a
time when traditional medicine is at a historic high in terms of
scientific advances and medical success stories.

Buckman (a medical doctor and cancer specialist) and Sabbagh (a
television producer) explore in detail how conventional and alternative
medical practitioners approach patients and their health needs,
comparing such factors as time spent with the patient, response to
symptoms, dealing with emotions and personality, and continuity of care.
Considerable attention is given to differences in giving a prognosis
(“What are my chances of a cure? How long have I got?”) and the
ability to give hope. The authors also discuss the issue of getting
better or feeling better, the role of placebos, and the conventions
surrounding clinical trials of drugs and treatments.

Throughout this work, the philosophies, strengths, and skills of both
conventional and alternative medicine are treated with respect and
honesty. The authors’ intention is not to debunk or discredit, but
rather to enter into a reasoned exploration of differences,
similarities, meeting points, and symbiotic possibilities.