The practice of humanistic healing: Physicians’ journey through time

Abstract

Humanistic healing is an integrative approach to health and wellness that prioritizes the individual’s subjective experience and inherent potential for growth, aligning closely with the principles of humanistic psychology. This approach considers the interplay between physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health, aiming to restore balance and harmony. Indian culture has consistently valued and upheld the duty of helping those in need. Since ancient times, many renowned works in Sanskrit have emphasized the importance of benevolent acts. Keeping in line with the existing principles, since ancient times, the emphasis was not just on therapeutic care but on promotive and preventive health care as suggested by ancient Indian scriptures like Sushruta and Charak Samhita. In the past, communication skills, empathy, compassion, and preventive and holistic approaches to treatment have been reinforced during each era worldwide. One of the quotes of Sir William Osler’s ‘One of the first duties of the physician is to educate the masses not to take medicine’ is more relevant in the current scenario where rampant use of medicine has become a norm. As per NMC, the Goal of UG Medical Education Program is to produce an “Indian Medical Graduate” (IMG) possessing requisite knowledge, skills, attitudes, values and responsiveness so that she or he may function appropriately and effectively as a physician of first contact of the community while being globally relevant. To fulfill this goal, the NMC has defined certain roles for the IMG -namely clinician, communicator, leader, member of a health care team, life-long learner and professional.
In this review, we have focussed on the humanistic qualities of a physician that existed in the past and are also evident in the present. It has also highlighted the importance of self-care and pursuing interest beyond medicine among physicians, along with the attributes a physician should possess in the current scenario