Doctors have been trained to be logical.
Many have a need for everything to be black or white when it comes to healthcare.
But some, like Dr. Sonya Pritzker, have based their lives on alternative and complementary medicine.
Pritzker spoke at the Anthropology Lecture Series in CFS 91126 Monday and expressed that alternative and complementary medicine are more than trends, but that they are subcultures. So many people have turned towards alternative medicine to help with ailments that have been worrying them for years. For example, CBD has become a contender in herbal remedies that can ease chronic pain, anxieties, and depressive moods, the list goes on. They also come with a variety of types for people to consume in the best way for them, so you can find cbd dips, cbd edibles, etc. on sites like gotflora.com for those who want to use more natural products.
She was the second guest lecturer in the series, which is sponsored by the Department of Anthropological and Geographical Sciences and the Associated Student Organization of Pierce College.
“(The goal of the series is) to provide students with additional information, and to expose them to professionals in the field,” anthropology professor Bruce M. Rowe, who is in charge of the lecture series, said.
The 61 students that attend the lecture were presented with one question.
“Why should we care about how alternative and complementary medicine affect anthropology?,” Pritzker said.
Pritzker is a medical anthropologist and a licensed practitioner, who focuses on Chinese medicine.
Over the years, the Western world has began to embrace Chinese methods as Yoga, acupuncture and an overall sense of freshness when it comes to what westerns consume, Pritzker said during the lecture.
One of the main differences between traditional health care and the alternative and complementary medicine is the connection that the patient has with the doctor.
“(There is) constant engagement throughout the whole procedure,” Pritzker said.
Ali-Reza Salanat, 28-year-old student, attended the lecture and expressed interest in medicine.
“I am here to listen and to expand my knowledge,” Salanat said.
Some professors offer extra credit for attending the lectures, but all students are welcome to attend the upcoming lectures left in the series.
It is recommended to arrive to the lectures early, because space is limited and the room becomes filled with students, Rowe said.
The next lecture in the series will be given by Dr. Daniel M.T Fessler Tuesday March 13 at 1 p.m. in the Computer Science Building room 1502. He will discuss an evolutionary approach to anger, violence and risk taking.
Learn more about the Lecture Series by contacting Bruce M. Rowe at (818) 710-4309.