Journals

AUGUST 10th BLOG POST

I had a small dialogue with a sibling earlier this week, we talked about how growing up in our household, conversations around the dinner table would always consist of one of the many topics, that is science. Hearing my siblings rant about their physics test, their chemistry lab and their next biology project honestly filled my 7-year-old self with boredom. I sat there rearranging my peas into a smiley face, thinking about the next Barnie episode instead. Therefore, I had no experience or connection to what they were talking about, all I knew of science was the Sid the Science Kid show.

It is this event that weirdly led to my research this year! If science is brought up now in another dinner conversation it would be a different story. My eyes would widen, a smile will emerge on my face, and I would be eager to share and listen to every word. If you had told my 7-year-old self about how much this subject excites me, her sassy self would roll her eyes and walk away. Yet imagine if Sonic the Hedgehog, Barbie, and Ken were brought up in that conversation. My little self would’ve been intrigued and so would my other peers at that age.

That is what I want to accomplish with my research this year, connect a field in science to another, in order to make it understandable no matter the level of scientific knowledge of those in the audience. That is essentially why I am using primarily popular and traditional culture, which can relate to anyone and everyone in the audience in some shape or form. One of the topics I am excited to explore does just that: the influence of pop-culture in naming fruit fly genes. When you and I think of Biology, specifically genetics, we don’t necessarily immediately think POPULAR CULTURE let alone characters from popular kids shows, teen movies, and video games. In my research throughout this month, I will explore how the two relate!

Once a researcher discovers a gene, they are given the benefit to name it, often because of its appearance. In regards to the phenotype of a gene, Sonic the Hedgehog (SHH) was first discovered by the fruit fly researchers (Philip Ingham, Andrew P. McMahon, and Clifford Tabin) who thought the spiky protein looked like a hedgehog. The examples of the influence of popular culture on biology are endless and I am eager to learn more about them with you!

AUGUST 17th BLOG POST

I have been accumulating a lot of helpful resources throughout my research! In this post, I will highlight the important ideas from the resources. One of which has been a relatively new experience is virtual labs. In regards to the specific topics in my first blog post about fruit fly genes and the account of naming them. I think it is important for me to additionally understand how these genes are extracted and observed under the microscope. Although I can’t do so in a physical setting because of the current pandemic virtual labs are the alternative that give me a better understanding. Using Flies Supplies Virtual Laboratory not only do I have the opportunity to choose the specific traits I would like to study in a male or female fruit fly. I can also expand this selection by choosing features ranging from the antenna shape to the wing angle.

Once I have “ordered” the specific fruit fly I want to study it appears on my virtual desk, followed by multiple buzzing sounds the flies are left to mate. Offspring data is then left to be analyzed under the microscope. Most importantly, the 3rd step followed by the naming process is to record the different phenotypes present on the fruit flies and distinguish the differences in appearance amongst one another and the fly phenotype of the parent.

The second resource that I am reading is the Science in Popular Culture written by A. Bowdoin Van Riper. Although my research is focused primarily on the influence of popular culture on biology. I wanted to understand a different perspective and explore further into the topic. The author emphasizes the separation of reality from the treatment of science in popular culture. Ranging from topics regarding alternate worlds, cloning to mind control. A chapter that I found very fascinating regarding genes had a very interesting comparison. In this chapter the author refers to human genomes rather than the fly genes that I am researching, he starts off by explaining the biological concept of the gene then later goes on into the influence of popular culture. In this case, he refers to it as the “mix-and-match DNA” and how society tends to create routine assumptions about something so complex in science. This being “an oft-recycled joke about the offspring of celebrity couples. “Imagine,” he refers to an example of celebrities in the 1980s, although I am not familiar with them or their work, the perspective was clear to the reader. He illustrates the article he read where it states “the kids that Billy Joel and [his then-wife] Christie Brinkley could have. How wonderful if they got his musical talent and her looks!” The inevitable punchline: “Yes, but what a tragedy if they got her musical ability and his looks!” by Nobel prize–winners and infertile couples’ advertisement. The chapter ends with a very important note in how we as human beings tend to find a simpler understanding rather than one that the real world and science typically offer.

AUGUST 24th BLOG POST

Dear reader,

Today I present to you the five most pressing questions I am working on answering in my research at this time. The questions that keep me up at night. The questions that fill my life with uncertainty. The questions that leave me with agony and despair until I discover the answers myself. The questions that....I'll stop now.

Q- Focus: Popular/Traditional Culture & its correlation with Biology (precisely genetics) and Medicine (Medical Anthropology)

1) What is the influence of pop-culture in naming the phenotypes of fruit fly genes?

2) How do cultural factors correlate and shape genetic structures in the human population?

3) What is the influence of traditional culture in the expressions of "sicknesses" across the globe?

4) How has Cross-cultural medicine and diverse health beliefs negatively impacted people?

5) How has Cross-cultural medicine and diverse health beliefs positively impacted people?

(If time allows) 6) What is the perspective of populations in the 1st world and 3rd world countries on modern and traditional medicine?

*Additional note*- The words "popular culture" can be easy to understand generally but hard to understand when specified. I found that author A. Bowdoin Van Riper explained it precisely in his work that I expanded on in my previous blog post. In my research this year, when I use the words "popular culture" this includes any creative work designed to appeal to a large audience. Equivalent to films, popular music, art and programs. Additionally, more passing materials are included such as printed cartoons, advertisements, commercials, and jokes.

SEPTEMBER 11th BLOG POST

1) What is the influence of pop-culture in naming the phenotypes of fruit fly genes?

I adressed this topic slightly in my first journal. Genetics & genetic mutations can be an extremely complex and in-depth concept for many. In this journal post, I will provide an illustrations (that I have drawn myself) of the expressions of genetic mutations in the fruit flies!

When reading the complex scientific articles of these mutations I was weirdly able to think of how my younger self would retain the information, I then applied that perspective to my drawings!

The "Van Gogh Mutation" (Discovered 1888)

Mutations in the Van Gogh gene result in the swirling pattern of the hair on the wings of fruit flies. This is because of the presence of the polarity of adult Drosophila cuticular structures. Drosophila occurs based on the several pheromones (excreted chemicals factors) that are perceived by short or long-distances affecting mating behaviors with fruit flys. Today, Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890) is one of the most popular painters. Despite only selling one canvas during his lifetime he displayed uniqueness in his work and --- although he was a Dutch painter he influenced scientists observation in the United States before his death.

Limit: 200 words

Vincent Van Gogh Gallery

Van Gogh Starry Night

SEPTEMBER 22nd BLOG POST

Question: What is the influence of pop-culture in naming the phenotypes of fruit fly genes?

Source: "POPULAR CULTURE" by A. Bowdoin Van Riper

In this journal, I will address a source that I believe is relevant to my research. The book Popular Culture provides details on the influence of popular culture on science. The author, A. Bowdoin Van Riper, mainly focuses on popular culture references in the United States. I am not necessarily very familiar with popular culture references in the United States in general, since I didn’t grow up in an environment where this was applicable to movies/shows that I watched or artists work that I followed upon. Therefore, reading the author’s work has greatly provided information to the first essential question of my research “What is the influence of pop-culture in naming the phenotypes of fruit fly genes?” The author does not apply these references to the study of fruit fly genes, but he does apply many of these references in the study of genetics as a whole.

The main concept that has stuck with me throughout reading his work is that how we as human beings simplify complex topics in science/scientific literature and analyzing how mainstream entertainment revolves around these topics and profits off of the public perspective on science. Ranging from topics regarding extraterrestrial life to “Giant insects” present in mainstream media. Essentially, his work applies to my research because it has helped me better understand popular culture references in the United States throughout time, as well as different perspectives on these references and evidence of the profit that later resulted for media companies.

OCTOBER 9th Journal Post

Although the interest in STEM related fields have increased throughout the years, the amount of people leaving these fields and majors has drastically increased especially in the Latin X and Black community. As there are striking differences in levels of science knowledge by education as well as by racial and ethnic group. This is generally because of the lack of support and role models within learning of the field for specific ethnic & racial groups. A study by the National Center for Education Statistics shows that students enter the STEM programs at relatively equal numbers: About 19% of the white students declared as STEM majors, compared with 20% of Latino students and 18 % of black students. About 37% of Latino and 40% of black STEM students switched majors as undergraduates, compared with 29 % of white STEM students.

Researchers discovered a strong interest among black and Latino high school students in pursuing a STEM degree. Interest or academics within this field is not the root of this problem. So why is there a sudden change after graduating high school? Based on direct quotes from minority students at various universities across the country. A quote that stood out to me is by Dean Crouser a University student, “I spent too much time in my head feeling like I didn’t belong, or wasn’t smart enough, that I couldn’t concentrate on my work.” She was advised to reach out to mentors to perform well. However, she explains it was hard for her to find a community when Latinos account for fewer than 10% of students in her major of study. In addition to academic and social support, I can infer that if a scientist who is of the same group of these students or culture that resonates with the students is mentioned in a simple dialogue or in the curriculum there wouldn’t be as much of a disconnect with the field.

Sources

Smith, Morgan. “The Science Divide: Why Do Latino and Black Students Leave STEM Majors at Higher Rates?” The Washington Post, WP Company, 7 May 2019, www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/the-science-divide-why-do-latino-and-black-students-leave-stem-majors-at-higher-rates/2019/05/03/e386d318-4b32-11e9-93d0-64dbcf38ba41_story.html.

Arnim, Emily. “A Third of Minority Students Leave STEM Majors. Here's Why.” EAB, 18 Mar. 2020, eab.com/insights/daily-briefing/student-success/a-third-of-minority-students-leave-stem-majors-heres-why/.

OCTOBER 30th Journal Post

"Gene-culture coevolution"

In this journal I will be addressing my first exploration of the question: How do cultural factors correlate and shape genetic structures in the human population? This question is among the five I will be researching, also shown on my August 24th Blog Post.

When was the last time you drank milk? Possibly this morning with cereal?

Now, you might be expecting me to write about the principal constituents of milk including minerals, proteins, water, phospholipids and so forth. Yet, I will actually be writing about its cultural significance and influence on genetic structures in the human population. I have learned that even the slightest everyday meals, beverages, food, drinks and even milk are examples of traditional and cultural practices that influence evolution. It is only in the last 9,000 years that human adults have gained the ability to drink milk without becoming ill. As people conformed to cultures with a history of dairy farming/ milk drinking have a much higher rate of lactose (sugar found in milk) tolerance resulting in the lack of the decreasing activity of the LCT gene.

Scientists call the connection of culture and genetics influencing the natural progression of the other "gene-culture coevolution". Allowing us to better point out how culture influences our genetic makeup then we can better understand the influence of how we act as a society today could influence our future.

In previous journals and SDA’s shared in the beginning of my research, I explored genetics, biological anthropology, and culture. Essentially the “Science and Culture” in the title of my website “Science Medicine and Culture.”

From the November journal below onwards I will be exploring the field of Medical Anthropology or the “Medicine & Culture” in these three essential questions building off the ethics and varying perspectives of the field :

Questions 3- What is the influence of traditional culture in the expressions of "sicknesses" across the globe?

Question 4- How has Cross-cultural medicine and diverse health beliefs negatively impacted people?

Question 5- How has Cross-cultural medicine and diverse health beliefs negatively impacted people?

NOVEMBER 13th Journal Post

Content warning: Female genetalia mutilation & human rights violation.

In this November 13th journal, I will be addressing Question #4- How has Cross-cultural medicine and diverse health beliefs negatively impacted people?

To better understand the basis of this question, I have to first gain insight on the ethics of medicine & traditional (cultural) practices in regards to varying perspectives of these practices taken place.

Throughout this month, I have been reading multiple books and articles on the perspective of traditional/cultural/tribal medicine and practices. Taking the mutilation of the female genitalia as an example, infibulation, which is the most severe form of FGM, is mostly practiced in the north-eastern region of Africa: Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Sudan. In West-Africa countries like Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso have a different procedure where flesh is removed (clitoridectomy) without sewing the labia minora and/or majora together. I feel as if I need to extract the next procedure from a direct source, it is not content to be summarized or paraphrased because this journal isn’t solely based on my opinion of the practice. Although I know others within my country who have experienced the procedure willingly and unwillingly, I want to exclude my particular disagreements with this practice in this journal.

The following procedure of discretion is “The type of procedure performed also varies, mainly with ethnicity. Current estimates (from surveys of women older than 15 years old) indicate that around 90% of female genital mutilation cases include either Types I (mainly clitoridectomy), II (excision) or IV (“nicking” without flesh removed), and about 10% (over 8 million women) are Type III (infibulation).”

Leading into ethics of this procedure based on my reading of the Female Genetalia Mutilation in Africa by Daniel Njoroge. Njoroge describes the two main perspectives of this procedure; there are those who believe it is a ‘traditional practice' that should continue, while others believe it is inhumane, and a human rights violation. In chapter 2 “Stories of Terror and Pain” the author writes of women who experience the extractions first hand ranging from ages nine to thirty one. Explaining the perspective of those who felt the ‘traditional practice’ had left them with physical and emotional scars that they will carry their whole lives.

Other modern & traditional Doctors in the World agree with the perspectives addressed by the women and their stories supporting that the practice has no health benefits for girls and women. FGM has no health benefits, and it harms girls and women in many ways. The author then explains his perspective of the procedure mentioning the complications outweigh the traditional and tribal values. Stating short-term and long-term complications that occur: severe pain, excessive bleeding (haemorrhage), genital tissue swelling, fever, infections, urinary problems, wound healing problems, injury to surrounding genital tissue, vaginal problems, menstrual problems, scar tissue and keloid and increased risk of childbirth complications; psychological problems including: depression, anxiety & post-traumatic stress disorder.

On the other hand, the practice is mostly carried out by traditional circumcisers, who often play other central roles in communities, such as attending childbirths. This procedure is practiced by those who belive it is moral, that the procedure is necessary and is safer when provided by those in the roles as traditional circumcisers and not modern health care providers. From the authors perspective, it reflects deep-rooted inequality between the sexes, and constitutes an extreme form of discrimination against women but from the traditional circumcisers perspective it is a needed & praised practice.

Medical anthropology specifically within the differences of traditional and medical practices are topics of constant debate because of the variation within perspectives. It is important to address both sides to gain a better understanding of the field then to later form an opinion. I believe within the various topics in discussion there are traditional practices I align and agree with while others I completely disagree with. I look forward to exploring more of these practices to see where my opinion lies.

“Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).” World Health Organization, World Health Organization, 1 June 2016, www.who.int/reproductivehealth/topics/fgm/prevalence/en/.

Njoroge, Daniel. FGM in Africa- Gender, Relgion, & Postoral Care. Woman and Human Rights , 17 March 2003.

NOVEMBER 20th Journal Post

The journal above addresses the ethics of a “traditional practice” that is shown to have no medical advantages but in another perspective the cultural values mean more than the countless medical problems caused by it. In this journal, I will be further exploring another

Cross-cultural procedure with varying beliefs and its impact on people. Furthermore, we will continue to explore the ethics of such practices and its effect on cultural values (that are societal standards).

The second practice that will be addressed in this journal is Chinese Foot Binding. Chinese Foot Binding is an ancient practice where feet are bound to approximately 10cm in size as the toes bind over to the sole of the foot with force. This size was viewed as “attractive” or displayed higher status (because it showed the woman/girl did not have to do work or be on her feet all day). The practice was said to enhance a woman's beauty and her movement was daintier. Both men and women believed this practice was correct and that the gains of beauty outweighs the health effects. These effects on health include: infections- which was the most common problem with foot binding, foot deformity since the practice uses force to deform the feet.

Now that I have addressed both sides of the practice, where one side supports the beauty and appeal over the health conditions and the other disagrees. Essential questions erupt when reading and understanding these practices, for me it is “Who?” “Who made these societal standards in these times?” “Was it a person of power?” It is very interesting to see that I thought of this and so did others I discussed these types of practices with. Therefore, my initial instinct was to research those in power in ancient Tang Dynasty China then figure out their points of view on beauty. I found nothing at all. I then changed my outlook and started reading further into the origin of the practice and found it was first carried out by young girls in Tang Dynasty China to restrict their normal growth and make their feet as small as possible. They themselves considered it an attractive quality, the effects of the process were painful and permanent but the beauty in their eyes outweigh this pain that they went through.

The examples I addressed in this journal and my previous are similar in a way that medical disadvantages and pains are disregarded for at least one perspective of the practice. Yet, they contrast in a way that the FGM practice a imposed by cultural/traditional speakers in specific parts of hte countries mentioned whereas the chinese foot bidining was imposed by the people who would undergo these practices/ the woman themselves. This shows how every single practice under medical anthropology no matter the time and place in the world, have underlying differences and similarities. Researching the two so far has helped me better understand and explain my outlook on these procedures as although some have severe medical disadvantages others cause many advantages. I am excited to continue exploring this with you.

Sources:

Hinsbergh, Gavin Van. “Chinese Foot Binding, Why and How Women Bound Their Feet.” China Highlights, 13 June 2020, www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/china-history/chinese-foot-binding.htm.

Yilmazli, Guest Author - Inci, and Inci Yilmazli. “Home.” BellaOnline, www.bellaonline.com/articles/art29600.asp.

Source: https://images.chinahighlights.com/allpicture/2017/05/f7b6429be3a340a990ed8eab.jpg

JANUARY 7th Journal Post

Meryam Legesse - Researchers - Journal post # 1.pdf

JANUARY 14th Journal Post

Meryam Legesse - Researchers - Journal post #2.pdf

JANUARY 21st Journal Post

Meryam Legesse - Researchers Journal Post #3.pdf

March 3rd Journal Post

To start, I would like to state a quick recap. Throughout the course of November to February, I have researched the field of medical anthropology, specifically the causes for distrust and the negative impact of traditional and modern medicine/practices on society. Like the exploration of "How has Cross-cultural medicine and diverse health beliefs negatively impacted people?"

With the exploration of practices and medicine came the ethics and different views of each.

The new essential question for this month onward is: How has Cross-cultural medicine and diverse health beliefs positively impacted people?

I will mostly be using databases first then articles on Google. The databases (like Gale) have helped with my previous inquiry so I would like to find a really helpful research paper than other articles(PubMed.gov) to understand and explain varying perspectives.

1) What traditional healing practices and folk medicine are used for chronic pain/pain reduction?

2) Can diverse health beliefs coexist without conflict or foreign involvement?

3) How has traditional medicine shaped medical care practices today?

4) How has traditional medicine shaped dental care practices today?

March 10th Journal Post

Essential Question: ->How has Cross-cultural medicine and diverse health beliefs positively impacted people?

In previous journals regarding cross-cultural medicine and diverse health beliefs that have negatively impacted people. I had explored the ethics of traditional practices that are proven shown to have no medical advantages but in another perspective, the cultural values are weighted more than the countless medical problems caused by the specific tribal/cultural & modern practice. The first practice in which I sought ethics was the FGM (Female Genital Mutilation) practiced mostly in North-Eastern regions of Africa.

In this journal, I will be exploring the “traditional healers” and “traditional healers clinics” that originated in the Easter/North Easter regions of Africa that have positively impacted its population.

For centuries East African people have depended on traditional healers for physical and mental treatment. Such treatments can be categorized into two groups: herbal preparations and psychotherapy.

Pharmacotherapy (Herbal preparations) is the process of Traditional healers prescribing medicinal plants. The main advantage of this process is its wide availability and inexpensiveness to local and rural populations. If we take Ethiopia, (a country located in East Africa) as an example, diseases mostly treated by traditional healers are wounds, inflammation, herpes, fracture, paralysis, back-pain, liver diseases, cancer and eczema by traditional healers/traditional healers clinics. A study conducted by NCBI on the healthcare system of Ethiopia showed that traditional healers' clinics considerably contribute to better public health. “Fifty two percent of patients reported that traditional healers' clinics were their first choice when they faced health problems. The reasons for visiting these clinics were 175 (57.2%) efficacy, 109 (35.6%) dissatisfaction with modern medicine, 10 (3.3%) dissatisfaction with modern medicine and efficacy, 6 (2.0%) cost and 6 (2.0%) dissatisfaction and cost. Females (55.2%), young age (20-40 years, 65.0%), never married (56.9%), orthodox (73.9%), Amhara (52.3%), educational status above grade 12 (34.6%) and government employees (29.4%) were frequent visitors.” The study concluded that one reason for trust of the Healers is the lack of motivation to collaborate and communicate with modern health service workers, whereas traditional healers' ways of aid are less complicated especially when gaining trust of older generations which then impacts generational visits to the same community of healers.

Claim: When “traditional healers” and “traditional healers clinics” do not abuse power and put factual evidence before opinionated tribal statements( like practices such as FGM) we notice the positive impacts on the populations' health. The availability of healers in rural and urban populations as a less expensive and more trusted option will lead to overall positive impact on health care

March 17th Journal Post

Claim: When “traditional healers” and “traditional healers clinics” do not abuse power and put factual evidence before opinionated tribal statements, like practices such as FGM we notice the positive impacts on the population. The availability of healers in rural and urban populations as a less expensive and more trusted option will lead to overall positive impact on health care as long as power is not abused.

In this journal I will be supporting the claim: The availability of healers in rural and urban populations as a less expensive and more trusted option will lead to overall positive impact on health care as long as power is not abused. The sub-questions regarding the impact of traditional/tribal medicine on dental care/practices and pain reduction today, will be explored.

Body modification is a topic that has recurred throughout my research as it is generally the prime example of tribal/traditional leaders putting the power of their cultural opinions/ word of mouth before factual evidence of a non benefiting practice. For example, Teeth sharpening ritual that prevailed in central, easter and southern Africa in the 18th century. The modification is particularly popular among the Makonde people in southeast Tanzania and northern Mozambique, and the majority of ethnic groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Each “leader” that performs this practice in each ethnic group has various reasons for it.

Ethnic groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo believe a particular tooth being sharped leads to getting rid of “negative emotions” like anger and jealousy. Interestingly, it is said the canine tooth removal or sharpening leads to the removal of animalistic behaviours. Additionally, the Afar tribe in Ethiopia considers this practice a tribal ritual. The “leaders” who perform this practice sit on a log with the legs spread, then the “patient” will be placed on the “leaders'' lap. WIth the large stone and flat metal the “leader” performs the ritual first breaking off parts of the tooth, then filing it smoothly to make a “V” shape.

Although we notice various types of oral and body modifications without health benefits by various ethinic/cultural groups, it is important to realize the impact of such groups and “leaders'' on dental medicine today. For example, relevant medicinal plants used for toothache treatment by “leaders” or “traditional healers” have made a drastic impact .Leaders using traditional medicine like crude oil to help the surrounding population.

Although we notice various types of oral and body modifications without health benefits by various ethinic/cultural groups, it is important to realize the impact of such groups and “leaders'' on dental medicine today. A Toothache is prevalent in lower socioeconomic status groups and in populations where dental caries are largely untreated. Medicinal plants have been used as traditional treatments for numerous human diseases for thousands of years and in many parts of the world. According to the World Health Organization, between 65% and 80% of the populations of developing countries use medicinal plants as remedies and the use of traditional medicine continues to expand rapidly across the world even with the production of modern dental medicine. The purpose of Traditional healers in such environments is to observe additional curative properties and use their experience to cure the surrounding populations.

In Africa, the dependence on traditional medicine is linked with poverty, the inadequacy of health services, and a shortage of drugs although those trusted to give medical advice to the surrounding population can abuse their power to give false information with body modifications, the benefits have to lead to overall better health due to the cultural and tribal medicine positive impacts.

Works Cited:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6734796/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3247023/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25041140/

https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2019/2645174/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3317871/

April 14th Journal Post

Why does one prefer traditional medicine over modern?
What are the staple modern and traditional medicines in NYS and Ethiopia?
What are the causes of stigma around traditional medicine in the western world?

These questions linger because I am trying to find more connections with my research to build the symposium speech. To relate to the virtual audience in order to have a less complex and better understanding way of explaining, I think finding staple home remedies, relating my past experiences in Ethiopia and US can be the start of my symposium then go on into the causes of preference of traditional and modern medicine.

(I agree this is not the path I want to take, below is what I want to take)

April 21st Journal Post

The main idea for the speech is to address views on tribal/traditional healers.

One of the main factors of medical anthropology is to explore the beliefs and practices about health that vary across cultures. With this idea, I can specifically extract the ethos of the symposium as I share my personal experiences where traditional healers helped my family tremendously. Then, I will explain the negative views of traditional and tribal healers where cultural views > negative medical problems caused ( like body modification).

EXAMPLE: In a previous journal I explored tooth sharpening where tribal/traditional healers “...Ethnic groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo believe a particular tooth being sharped leads to getting rid of “negative emotions” like anger and jealousy. Interestingly, it is said the canine tooth removal or sharpening leads to the removal of animalistic behaviors. Additionally, the Afar tribe in Ethiopia considers this practice a tribal ritual.”
Now, relating to my experience, when I think of traditional healers, I do not only think of individuals who have helped my oral health but have initiated my passion for dentistry to this day. My interest in dentistry started from advice I had gained from a traditional healer to use “zeyt” Amharic word for (clove oil).

I searched for natural remedies to cure toothaches(which my father had) since traditional medicine was easy to come by in my household. I found types of oil that could help him like clove oil. Sitting on the living room floor, I told my father of the various ways it could help his tooth aces reciting the facts the traditional healer told me, occasionally dropping scientific words like “eugenol” “nerves” and statistics knowing it was the only way I could convince him. He hesitantly agreed, sarcastically saying “it isn’t every day that my daughters ask to shove a cotton ball with clove oil in my mouth”. He gradually started feeling better, although it did not help with all his toothaches it helped with numbing most of the pain. I truly enjoyed seeing him smile more, witnessing him feel better, and thanking me. This was the event that initiated my passion for dentistry.

I believe this idea is somewhat new to the audience, when I speak to people about traditional healers, they don’t necessarily think positively, this is a valid point of view because of the abuse of power that we have seen throughout my research, but my personal experience will show the opposing sides (as traditional healers in my life also lead to my interest in health care and providing access).

I think it will also be interesting for others since life experiences that aren’t shared by oneself may lead to being more tentative to understand a varying perspective.

Page updated

Report abuse