Doctor, Can You Guarantee A Cure?
![- MEDiscuss Doctor, Can You Guarantee A Cure?](https://www.mediscuss.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/hcon2.png)
Patient: “Doctor, before we start treatment, can you guarantee that this will cure my disease?”
Doctor: “I understand your concern for a guaranteed cure. However, in modern medicine, we avoid making such guarantees and extravagant claims”
Patient: “Why is that?”
Doctor: “Firstly, diseases are complex. Your body’s response to treatment can vary greatly compared to someone else, making it challenging to predict exact outcomes.”
Patient: “Does that mean your treatment might not work?”
Doctor: “Not necessarily. It means that each person’s response to treatment can differ. Factors like genetics and lifestyle play a significant role.””Also, medical science is always evolving. What we know today might change tomorrow as new research and treatments emerge.”
Patient: “So, you’re saying modern medicine doesn’t have all the answers?”
Doctor: “Exactly. While we’ve made incredible advances, there are still limitations. Some conditions are manageable rather than curable.””It’s also about ethics. Promising a cure can lead to false hope. Our goal is to provide the best possible care based on current knowledge.”
Patient: “I’ve seen some alternative medicine doctors guarantee of cures. How do they do this?”
Doctor: “That’s an interesting observation. The approach in alternative medicine can be quite different from conventional practices.”
Patient: “Does that mean their guarantees are reliable?”
Doctor: “Not necessarily. While some people may find relief, these guarantees often lack the backing of rigorous scientific research that is standard in modern medicine.””In many cases, the promise of a cure can be more about marketing or belief in the treatment’s effectiveness, rather than proven results.”
Patient: “So, are these treatments ineffective?”
Doctor: “It’s not that simple. Some alternative therapies may provide benefits, but they should be approached with caution, especially when they claim ‘guaranteed’ results.”
Patient: “What should I do then?”
Doctor: “Always research thoroughly, seek multiple opinions, and consider the evidence behind any treatment, modern medicine or alternative. Ultimately, the choice is yours.”
Patient: “I appreciate your honesty. It helps to know these things.”
Doctor: “Absolutely. It’s important to have open and honest conversations about your treatment and expectations.”
This article is part of the Honest Conversations series: Explore the articles from this series:
- Doctor, Tell Me About High Blood Pressure
- Doctor, I Searched My Symptoms on Google!
- Doctor, I Can’t Sleep Well
- Doctor, Can I Sweets During Functions?
- Doctor, Are Vaccines Really Safe?
- Doctor, I Have Abdominal Bloating
- Doctor, Are Generic Medicines Really Safe?
- Doctor, Can I Do Blood Tests in Any Lab?
- Doctor, Can I Stop The Medicines Now?
- Doctor, Are There Any Side Effects?
- Doctor, Can You Guarantee A Cure?
- Honest Conversations in Healthcare – A Series
![Shashikiran Umakanth](https://www.mediscuss.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/shashikiran-sm.png)
Dr Shashikiran Umakanth (MBBS, MD, FRCP Edin.) is Professor & Head of Internal Medicine at Dr TMA Pai Hospital, Udupi, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, India. He shares his insights on Medicine, Health and Life here.