CLINICIAN’S BIAS
Clinician’s Bias is best understood that not only will every professional have their own opinions. But, quite literally they will only see what they have been trained to see. Their standard practice of language and thought will only allow them to consider those things that fit the reality that their story has created.
A Man was with one who was in an emergency ward. She had just slipped down a flight of stairs and each and every edge of a half a dozen steps hit her in the middle of her back. The doctor attending to her showed an x-ray. He told her that this was where her back was broken. He pointed to a stable fracture of a vertebrae and said, “This is the cause of all your pain.” Because, his advanced training was in reading x-rays which only show clearly in imagery, bones, his learned perception did not even allow him to consider how many muscles (which only showed as a gray cloudy image) were injured. The actual awareness of soft tissues were not even an active part of his reality.
A German psychiatrist of a major mental health hospital one taught about clinician’s bias in a very clear simple way.
He said, “If you are depressed and go to a….
A Psychologist, you will receive counseling.”
A Psychiatrist, you will probably receive medication.”
A Clergy, advice on your relationship to God.”
He said, “It is just like if you have a leaky faucet and take it to a carpenter. He said in a lovely thick accent, “You will end of with a very pretty cabinet.”
The dynamics of ego and "protecting one's turf" can also be in play. It is natural for all of us to want to be right.
There is that consensus reality and habits of our culture that lead to the habit of demanding from certain professionals that which they simply don't have the abilty to do. Have you ever asked, a massage therapist "How long do I have to live ?" If you we insisted on an answer they would simple guess or refuse to answer. A doctor would only be able guess also.
The dynamics of ego and "protecting one's turf" can also be in play. It is natural for all of us to want to be right.
There is that consensus reality and habits of our culture that lead to the habit of demanding from certain professionals that which they simply don't have the abilty to do. Have you ever asked, a massage therapist "How long do I have to live ?" If you we insisted on an answer they would simple guess or refuse to answer. A doctor would only be able guess also.
Old Dog says, “Remember in regards to the medical industry there are three core doctor jokes.”
Have you ever had this before……..Well you have it again.
Does it hurt when you do that ?……Well, then don’t to that.
Do you know the difference between God and a doctor ?
“God doesn’t think He is a doctor.”
Old Dog says, “It is best to look into a professional’s toolbox before you hire them.” “Because, they will use them.” So, going to a surgion and expecting nutritional advice
Also, a Man's Mother warned that one should not associate with those who sell drugs and play with knives. Now, one is not sure whether she was speaking of those in the Medical Industry. But you never know.
This is not to say that drugs and surgery are a bad thing. It is just a strong question whether they should always be the first choice.
To question whether when someone of either medical or political profession tells you , Question when someone says, "Nothing can be done" for a specific condition or challenge. They may merely be expressing the limit or lack of their own knowledge or imagination rather than absolute fact.
No matter where and how you receive health advice and care, you have the final say in what path you take to healing. No matter how vulnerable and scared you feel in the moment, the choice must be yours. The encouraging aspect is that your wisdom and intuition are greater than any guess of a professional. Trust yourself !