Recently pondering on the concept of disability, which is no friend to humanity, I continue to find that it cuts across virtually all aspects of human living, including our occupations, careers, and professions. In my non-expert opinion, terms like ‘limitation’, ‘disorder’, ‘imperfect’, ‘incomplete’, ‘inactive’, and ‘dormant’ are often used to substitute the one popular word ‘disability’. Medicine, as a case study, is one aspect of our entire life – a miracle that has transformed human health. It is often hailed as a beacon of hope that most lives hang upon. Year after year, breakthroughs and innovations promise better futures for patients worldwide. Think of the eradication of smallpox, think of HIV management, think of preventions against diseases, think of cures and treatments of illnesses – the voice of medicine is so loud in these spheres and more; and it ain’t going to go low, as far as human rule and dominance are concerned, medicine will keep evolving.
Despite these ever-evolving strides, medicine remains imperfect. To personify, imagine Medicine as a person who is brilliant and capable, yet struggling with its own disability. This disability is not physical, but rather a limitation in its ability to diagnose, treat, manage, and cure every ailment. Underline the word ‘EVERY’. One of the most frustrating aspects of medicine’s disability lies in its inability to sometimes pinpoint the exact cause of certain illnesses. Despite advancements in diagnostic technology, many patients still face the uncertainty of an undiagnosed condition. This can lead to a prolonged period of suffering and a lack of effective treatment. My personal experience illustrates this point. I lost my sight between 2001 and 2002, and despite numerous hospital visits, tests, and check-ups, the unknown culprit behind my sight loss was attributed to a spiritual cause – a stark reminder of medicine’s limitations. To accord medicine some accolades, though, returning to the hospitals in 2024, 2025, 2026, and so on, to find the visual diagnosis responsible for my sight loss, I am sure I will find it, for I expect and know that significant advancements have been made in past years.
Beyond diagnostic challenges, medicine often grapples with the side effects of medications. These unintended consequences can range from mild discomfort to severe health complications. Moreover, the increasing complexity of healthcare systems and the rapid emergence of new diseases often strain healthcare providers, leading to insufficient time to address each patient’s needs. This overstretched nature of medicine, coupled with its inherent limitations, can be seen as a form of disability. Yet, despite these challenges, medicine remains an invaluable asset to humanity. It is a field that constantly strives for improvement, driven by the unwavering hope of alleviating suffering and prolonging life.
Just as we do acknowledge medicine’s limitations without diminishing its significance in our life, just as we’ll not give up on it, giving room to prove itself; just as we’ll not discriminate against it, or stigmatise medicine for its personified disabilities; we must also not fail to accord the same mindset to persons living with actual disabilities. We must strive to accommodate their limitations, giving them room to express and exercise their strengths. We must seek not to discriminate against these individuals, or stigmatise them for the disabilities they did not choose themselves to live with. Just as the field of medicine plays vital roles in the human space, so do persons living with disabilities, for they are an important part of the human ecosystem, hence they should be treated with empathy, not apathy; and with equity, not sympathy. Both humans with disabilities and the field of medicine are constantly evolving, adapting, and overcoming challenges. As we continue to make advancements in healthcare, we must also work to create a more inclusive society that embraces diversity and supports individuals with disabilities.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely my objective opinion, and I am no medical expert, nor do I represent any medical entity. This piece aims to spark a thought-provoking conversation by juxtaposing human disability with the limitations of medicine. By acknowledging the personified ‘disability’ of medicine, the piece seeks to encourage empathy and understanding for individuals living with disabilities. Just as medicine, despite its limitations, is still valued and given room to evolve, I believe that every human deserves acceptance, inclusivity, and opportunities to thrive, and that, of course, includes persons with disabilities. This article is not intended to provide medical advice or expertise but rather to share my perspective on the importance of empathy and inclusivity.
Your thoughts
About The Author
