One of the many reasons I love medicine is that it is a practice that is continually evolving, advancing, and rewriting itself. This allows me the great opportunity to be in a position of learning and openness. The time that I spent participating in the Contemplative Medicine Fellowship through the New York Zen Center has given me additional skills to be open to the lessons that this life, as well as my chosen career path, are providing me. Furthermore, the marriage of these concepts allows for the delivery of elevated, high quality health care, a concept at the center of NVFP’s Mission Statement [1], which is something that I try to honor the best I can.
In the World Health Organization’s constitution [2], it is outlined that the highest attainable state of health is a basic human right. Though due to many factors in our society, both structural and ideological, the delivery of health care can be impeded. Frequently the practice of “othering”, where one treats a person or group of people as intrinsically different or alien to oneself, steers marginalized groups of people into poorer physical and mental health outcomes than the general population. “Othering” is seen in the Zen tradition as a source of great suffering, and instead we should focus on our interconnectedness and embrace the inherent worth of all beings.
What can we do in medicine to create a better space for these marginalized individuals, all of whom deserve to receive dignified health care? One of the most important approaches to this is the creation of an inclusive setting in which they receive care [3]. This includes providing culturally competent care, understanding and proactively addressing social determinants of health, and continued education and training (another nod to life-long learning!) to those who are delivering the care on creating affirming settings where individuals do not have to be made to feel judged. The risk of NOT ensuring a healthcare space such as this is that it drives marginalized individuals to AVOID getting the care that they deserve.
The Zen Buddhist tradition encourages a mindful and compassionate approach to life, meeting that which seems confusing or different with curiosity, kindness, and nonjudgment. This allows us to see whatever inherent biases we may be holding (part of being imperfectly human) and reframe our approach to one of acceptance. These beliefs also coincide with those held closely by the PRIDE movement, traditionally celebrated in June, which recognizes the experiences of LGBTQ+ community, a community which has historically faced discrimination and prejudice. In healthcare, and at NVFP, we are working to create a space where anyone, regardless of race, ethnic affiliation, religion, disability, gender, or sexual orientation, can feel accepted and welcome [4].
So in the spirit of the love and acceptance celebrated in this written piece, I challenge us to notice when we use “othering” to separate us. Let’s work to shatter the stigma around these differences and instead celebrate the rich, rainbow tapestry of the human experience.
[1]