1. Multicultural Bioethics Aray Koishymanova Fall 2007 HPS 442

2. Stereotype v. Generalization • Stereotype: a fixed idea or image that many people have of a particular type of person or thing (ending point.) • Generalization: a general statement that is based on only a few facts or examples (beginning point). Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (sixth edition).

3. Stereotype v. Generalization • Mrs. Mendez, Mexican patient, 62 • Had a by-pass on her leg • She complained about the pain • Everything seemed alright for the nurse; he thought she was a “whining Mexican female who, as usual, was exaggerating her pain.” • Excessive blood put pressure on her nerves.

4. Cultural Differences • A Buddhist monk from Cambodia, 20, did not want female nurse to take care after him. • Inez Said from Iran was interrupted while praying. • Mrs. Burlatti, Italian, was upset to take off her rosary necklace. • Keiko, Japanese, was upset to be operated in room #4. • Coin rubbing and cupping practices.

5. Cultural Complications • Emma Chapman, 62, refused possible cardiac by-pass. • Susi, Jehovah’s Witness, 37, was transfused blood against her wish. • Mr. Saelee, Mien patient, refused, 42, refused blood drawing • Mary Cloud, Cherokee Indian, 83, refused operation, instead wanted to see a medicine man.

6. Bioethics Overseas • Patients’ right movement in 1960s and 1970s in the US lead to development of bioethics. • Bioethics in Japan: Before: Non-disclosure of medical information After: Discloser is more common (71% in 1998) • Bioethics in India: Before: “The doctor knows best” After: Take into account close relatives, the elderly in the community, and State officials (Charaka.)

7. What Is the purpose of Medical Profession? “The goal of medical system is to provide optimal care for all patients.” Galanti