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Recently, someone labeled me online in a shocking way: a Liberal. As I read the comment, I nearly choked on my afternoon tea. How could this be?
Despite the media frenzy, my week was quite ordinary as a physician: reading academic journals, comprehending new guidelines, and sharing recommendations. However, last week’s guidelines directly influenced my child’s safety, prompting me to collaborate with fellow local doctors to draft a letter urging adherence to these guidelines. Our appeal was straightforward: follow the American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC. To ensure a safe return to school for all children, particularly the most vulnerable, we emphasized the need for mask-wearing in schools.
After signing the letter supporting evidence-based medicine, some physicians received irate anonymous calls, while others faced criticism from colleagues for their involvement. I found myself questioning whether it was naive to think that evidence-based medicine stood apart from politics, especially since I prefer reading The New England Journal of Medicine over The New York Times.
As I pondered this while my scones cooled on the stand, I couldn’t help but wonder: why has adhering to medical guidelines become associated with political beliefs?
We live in a time dominated by medical guidelines and recommendations, yet they now receive coverage comparable to major sporting events. The protocols for treating COVID-19, for instance, are relatively new and haven’t been thoroughly tested compared to vaccines. Beyond the newly established COVID treatment protocols, how many patients have sought any available treatment, even if experimental, once they fall ill? Are those who aim to “cancel” me online implying they reject all evidence-based treatments from a physician?
A childhood friend recently reached out for assistance regarding her mother’s newly discovered breast mass. I could have recommended some dubious alternative treatment, but instead, I consulted established guidelines and referred her to a reputable surgeon at Dana-Farber. In that moment, was I acting as a liberal or merely fulfilling my role as a physician?
At Harvard, we often joked among ourselves: if a treatment has no side effects, does it really work? This notion highlights why modern physicians don’t simply make up treatments as they go; they rely on organizational recommendations and undergo regular assessments to maintain their licenses.
The backlash against evidence-based medical advice shouldn’t have surprised me. We have simple, effective ways to protect ourselves and others: masking and vaccinating. Some people cannot access these protections due to disabilities, but those of us who can must choose to safeguard one another, even if it means facing minor inconveniences.
Reflecting on these online interactions, I feel a sadness that goes beyond just a sore throat. Is being a “good citizen” and adhering to guidelines truly a liberal trait? Are we now in an age where the age-old principle of caring for one another has become a political stance?
If you’re interested in more insights on home insemination, check out this article on our other blog. Additionally, for more information about pregnancy-related topics, you can visit trusted resources like Make a Mom and NHS.
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Summary: In this article, Dr. Sarah Thompson reflects on the surprising politicization of evidence-based medicine, particularly in the context of guidelines on COVID-19 safety measures. As a physician dedicated to patient care, she grapples with the misunderstandings surrounding medical recommendations and their perceived political implications.
Keyphrase: evidence-based medicine
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