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In the heart of Trkiye, in Istanbul, lies the tale of a physician whose quest for healing has led him to combine modern medicine with practices originating in the distant past.

Meet Dr Kanat Tayfun, a seasoned general practitioner turned pharmaceutical executive, who says he felt a yearning for a different impact on patient care that led him to explore how traditional medicine could complement modern medicine to possibly help bring about better health outcomes across a range of issues.

Traditional medicine refers to a collection of knowledge, practices, and beliefs adopted and absorbed over generations within various cultures, utilized for promoting health by preventing, diagnosing and treating physical and mental illness.

Robust scientific evidence for the effectiveness of traditional medicine has generally been very limited. Although globally many people find specific therapies helpful, in many cases this tends to be based on traditional use rather than exhaustive scientific research. However, the integration of traditional and modern medicine is increasingly the subject of scientific research on a number of fronts.

Kanat says his burgeoning efforts to explore the possible benefits of such integration were given a boost when Trkiye s Ministry of Health introduced a law on traditional and complementary medicine in 2014. This decision paved the way for 15 diverse subgroups of traditional medicine to be certified and integrated into the nation's health-care system.

Embracing this opportunity, Kanat embarked on what he describes as a transformative journey, obtaining certification in 13 of these traditional therapies. He works at the University of Health Sciences Training and Research Hospital in Istanbul, in the country's most prominent traditional and complementary medicine clinic, where he offers an array of treatments from acupuncture to music therapy.

"Modern medicine increasingly relies on lab and imaging results, says Kanat. Physicians are growing distant from patients, and a new generation of doctors is less inclined to engage in physical examination.

He says his approach to patient care is a testament to what he calls the power of integrative medicine. Kanat describes his practice as synergizing the best of Western medicine with the wisdom of traditional practices. By taking time to listen, observe and interact closely with his patients, he integrates traditional methods with modern technology.

"Given time constraints, most physicians often lack the opportunity for thorough physical examinations. At my clinic, we focus on listening, taking notes, and understanding the patient's condition, Kanat explains.

Kanats clinic welcomes a myriad of patients, some seeking respite from chronic pain, and others seeking relief from autoimmune disorders. Here, as he describes it, patients find solace in being truly heard, treated with dignity, and offered an individualized path to recovery.

In line with the landmark Alma-Ata Declaration of 1978, recognizing people's right to engage in their health care, the Sixty-second World Health Assembly in 2009 acknowledged that traditional medicine is integral to primary health care. By collaborating with primary health-care providers, traditional medicine practitioners can integrate their knowledge and experience with modern medical practices, with the aim of achieving more holistic and impactful patient outcomes.

Kanats efforts extend well beyond his clinics walls. Recognizing the potential of traditional medicine, Kanat has collaborated with WHO in drafting a report on integrating traditional and complementary medicine into global health-care practices.

Kanats clinic and his patient-centric approach have sparked discussions about the potential inclusion of traditional medicine in Trkiye s national health-care coverage.

"The clinic's success has been primarily through word-of-mouth. Patients recommend us to their family and friends because they experience positive results and are satisfied with the care, he says.

As a health-care professional, Kanat describes his role as bridging the gap between ancient practices and modern science. Through the pursuit of compassionate care and the integration of diverse therapies and approaches, he says he wishes to leave a legacy demonstrating the healing potential of this mix.

Originally posted here:
Integrating traditional and modern medicine with compassion and care: A ...

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This entry was posted on April 24, 2025 at 2:46 am and is filed under Integrative Medicine. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed. |