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Healthcare’s Evolution beyond Digital Anxieties

Published On: September 18, 2023 10:00 AM NPT By: Dr Jimmy Kayastha


Dr Jimmy Kayastha

Dr Jimmy Kayastha

The author is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon trained in the US and contributes his expertise to the healthcare realm in Nepal.
news@myrepublica.com

The internet, while a remarkable tool, often exacerbates anxiety by offering raw information bereft of the human touch needed for proper context. 

In an era marked by rapid technological advancement, I am continually faced with the challenge of navigating the profound influence of online medical information during encounters with patients. Patients, like the one I recently had the privilege of treating, often approach our appointments laden with anxiety, their minds haunted by alarming predictions stumbled upon within the vast expanse of the internet. While my medical expertise may not always align with these digital prognostications, my unwavering mission remains to alleviate their fears, carefully unveiling the likely benign nature of their concerns and reassuring them about their overall well-being. As our consultation progresses, the clouds of distress gradually disperse, leaving the patient with a newfound sense of tranquility.

In a world perpetually connected by technology, the reflex to seek answers online is undeniable, and herein lies the heart of our modern medical challenge. The internet, while a remarkable tool, often exacerbates anxiety by offering raw information bereft of the human touch needed for proper context. My role becomes paramount in these moments - that of guiding patients through the labyrinth of data with a seamless blend of medical insight and empathetic assurance. While technology unquestionably enriches the field of medicine, we must remain cognizant of its boundaries. It enhances surgical precision but can never replace the surgeon’s hands, which have been honed through years of experience and a profound understanding of human anatomy.

Much like mastering a musical instrument, technology acts as a supportive companion but can never supplant the role of a mentor. Surgical expertise thrives on a fusion of empirical knowledge and the wisdom derived from seasoned practitioners. In a world where a single click can unleash a deluge of information, the pivotal role of a guide - a knowledgeable, discerning human guide - becomes indispensable. In the realm of surgery, where every decision carries significant consequences, patients are not mere recipients of data but active participants in a collaborative journey, demanding the nuance that only a human touch can provide.

In this era of unprecedented technological advancement, where the internet and its offshoots are omnipresent, it is imperative to emphasize the irreplaceable role of human interaction in the medical field. The internet, for all its merits, remains a tool - a repository of data devoid of the capacity for empathy, a treasure trove of knowledge lacking the wisdom that emerges from experiencing the unique contours of individual lives. Ultimately, while technology augments our capabilities, it’s the amalgamation of human insight, compassion, and expertise that truly illuminates the path to holistic healthcare.


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