Behavioral science in family practice: an ethical imperative

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Science in Medicine
• Family Medicine Education
• Medical Ethics

Background:

• Increasing medical specialization has fragmented the holistic view of patients.
• Emphasis on medical science has objectified disease, leading to a view of life as medically manageable.
• Technological advancements and the desire to eliminate suffering promote a belief in total medical control over life's challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and address critical problems within American medicine impacting family physician training and integrity.
• To explore the ethical challenges behavioral science must confront in family medicine.
• To propose solutions for enhancing the role and responsibility of family physicians.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the fragmentation of the biological perspective in medicine.
• Examination of the objectification of disease and the concept of medical management of life.
• Description of specific approaches implemented at the Medical University of South Carolina family practice residency.

Main Results:

• Identified fragmentation, disease objectification, and the myth of technological mastery as key issues.
• Highlighted two ethical imperatives for behavioral science: restoring physician personhood and refocusing on social problems.
• Demonstrated practical applications of these principles in a family practice residency program.

Conclusions:

• Behavioral science is crucial for reintegrating the physician's role and addressing societal challenges in family medicine.
• Restoring the physician as the primary diagnostic and therapeutic tool is essential.
• Family practice must innovate its role to effectively address contemporary social issues.