Ethical Issues: Merced Community Medical Center

Ethical issues

The Hmong first settled in Merced, California in the mid-1970’s which gave the medical domain years to become aware and comfortable with the cultural differences with this population. When Lia entered Merced Community Medical Center (MCMC) for the first time it was understandable to not have a translator available. However, after repeated admittance it was apparent that the Hmong utilized a hospital that practiced Eastern medicine. Therefore, a translator not being present regarding any medical matters is an ethical issue. More importantly, as Fadiman noted, both of Lia’s parents were illiterate, therefore reiterating that an interpreter was necessary and not solely a translation of documents. Often the Lee’s consented to procedures

From one of these interactions another ethical issue emerged. During Lia’s worst seizure, the Lee’s were told that she needed to be transferred to a specialized unit at another hospital. As the doctor, Neil, explained this to the Lee family, he mentioned that he was leaving town. This was an ethical issue. Expressing his personal plans with a patient’s parents is crossing professional boundaries. This was expounded when the Lee’s indicated that the reason Lia had to be transferred was because her primary doctor was going on vacation. This was a fine line that every individual walked when working with the Hmong. When the doctors introduced themselves by their first name, they disassociated with their professional self. This gave them the opportunity to have less status, as Sukey Walker, a psychologist described as critical to becoming accepted within the Hmong population. However, it also looked poorly on the doctor if they lessened their status according to the American way, as in wearing blue jeans under their white jackets. This was an ethical dilemma at its finest. The doctor either sought acceptance from the Hmong family by initiating a partnership to facilitate better care the patient, or clung to their beliefs to maintain what they thought were professional

That being said, I do not agree with how the ethical issues carried out. To begin with, it’s important to understand the value of culture. My culture is as valuable as any other individual’s. However, when working in the medical field, it is my duty to provide and facilitate the best care possible while working with clients. To be client-centered, the client being the essence of the helping profession, one must be willing to respond to their client’s culture. Contained within this willingness is an ethical issue; by abiding by the cultural requests of the client I may be unable to provide the best care possible because of conflicting beliefs. As a therapist I would need to have the self-awareness to step aside and facilitate an opportunity for the client to receive the best