Multiculturalism and Medicine; Wherever the two shall meet.

In a culturally diverse society like Ontario, Canada, cultural influence is seen on every face, every corner, in every shop window and almost every conversation taking place on our Canadian streets. We, as born and bred, multi-generational Canadians are to be included in this ever expanding mosaic of Canada’s Multicultural image. Multi-generational Canadians maintain our own cultures and belief systems, which from one group to another can differ widely. No two are the same.

I was born in Corner Brook, second largest city in Newfoundland, but, even on our little Island diversity has shown its face; from Baymen to Townies, we all had our differences. We may not have always agreed with each other, yet, for the most part we learned to coexist in peace.

In my mind, and I admit I may sound a bit idealistic, Ontario and even the broader spectrum of Canada could learn a lot from our little island. Understand, accept, live and let live. We are all a small part of what is called the human race, the one and only term that unifies us all.

Unfortunately for all of us even Canadian Health Care hasn’t been spared in the battle for cultural right or wrong. From naturopathic to ancient and into traditional medicine, the influence of our separate backgrounds and beliefs are witnessed. We’ve all probably experienced it at one time or another, even if we didn’t recognize its influence.

Canadian Medical Schools address the issues facing Medical Practitioners and addressed the issue in a six part series titled, “Multiculturalism, Medicine and Health”. In Part one, the author, Dr. R Masi, stresses, “the importance of understanding community needs, cultures and beliefs; the active interest and participation of the patient in his or her own health care; the importance of a good physician-patient relationship; and the benefit of an open-minded approach by physicians and other health-care workers to the delivery of health-care services”. Can Fam Physician. 1988 October; 34: 2173–2177.  My own personal experience has made me believe this topic should be part of a regular refreshing program for physicians.

In 2009 following a series of tests, one being for Cholesterol, I was told my Cholesterol levels were well above what’s considered to be a healthy range. My ex-physician, a believer of the ancient religion of Jainism, which holds that all forms of life are sacred, took a path I never would have expected in addressing this new health concern. Instead of discussing possible treatment options or management, he quickly without discussion turned to his computer, looked up a website and after writing it down on a yellow sticky note handed me the address saying, “this website will teach you how to become a vegetarian”. I have to admit, I was in shock at realizing this Physician, one I’d been seeing for almost ten years, was not concerned with respecting my cultural beliefs or practices, but, instead chose to influence my behaviors with his own beliefs. I have since changed Physicians and stress the importance of respecting my beliefs, my cultural background and me.

If Multiculturalism is ever going to work, and I know that’s a constant, ongoing debate in Canada, we have to learn to respect each other, even if we don’t agree, understand or support each other’s cultural choices. We are of one race; the human race and I strongly believe that if Canada is to succeed as a Multicultural society, it’s the acceptance of this thought, this understanding that will see Canada through to success.