Summary of Interviews with Western Doctors and Licensed TCM Practitioner

Interviews With Western Doctors

Questions	General Practitioner	Specialist
(1) As a professional, how safe do you think Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is?	There is not enough information on TCM to make an informed decision. Some herbal remedies are ok but definitely not the Chinese Proprietary Medicine that comes in pre-prepared tablet or capsule forms. These types of medicine are unsafe due to what it may contain, preparation methods and inaccurate dosages.	It is safe as long as it is proper TCM prescribed by a properly trained TCM practitioner.
(2) In your opinion, what is the main difference between Western medicine and TCM?	TCM is said to be more holistic than Western medicine. But until proven, there is really no proof of such a claim.	Western medicine works faster but has more side effects than TCM.
(3) Do you think that TCM can complement Western medicine?	Yes, but this type of medicine must be supported by western research where there is stringent testing and detailed data collection.	Yes to a certain degree.
(4) In what scenarios would you recommend TCM to a patient?	I will only recommend acupuncture as it essentially external. This has been proven to relieve pain as well as control pain. No oral tablets, nothing to be taken internally.	In cases where patients are suffering from aches, minor pains and “heatiness”, i.e minor illnesses.
(5) In what scenarios would you NOT recommend TCM to a patient?	In cases when a patient needs antibiotics for infections as well as for major illnesses like cancer.	In cases where patients are suffering from cancers and depression i.e. major illnesses.
(6) A common belief is that Western medicine has its limitations and that TCM does not. Do you believe that Western Medicine has more limitations and TCM has fewer limitations? Please explain your standpoint by providing reasons and a few examples.	Western medicine has fewer limitations than TCM as it is well researched. With research you actually know what you are dealing with and hence know how far you can take it. For TCM there is little evidence and a lot of grey areas, cannot speak of limits when you don’t know them.	Each type of medicine has its own strengths and weaknesses. Proceed with an informed mind and with caution.

  
Notes:

·       The topic of TCM is highly sensitive.

·       I approached 5 doctors and only 2 consented to be interviewed under conditions of anonymity.

·       The other 3 doctors said that they did not feel comfortable answering the questions and refused to be interviewed even under conditions of anonymity.

·       It is safe to say that there is still much to learn about TCM and that TCM is shrouded in controversy.

Interviews With TCM Practitioners

Questions	Licensed TCM practitioner	Unlicensed TCM practitioner
(1) In your opinion, what is the different between TCM and Western medicine?	The main aim of TCM is to preserve and prevent whereas Western medicine focuses on preventing the worsening of illnesses. Western medicine values biological science and TCM encompasses philosophy.
(2) How long did you have to train before becoming a TCM practitioner	Typical course is a full day course for 5 years or evening classes for 7 years.
(3) How can you get a TCM practitioner qualification?	Through approved institutes like the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
(4) Would you recommend your patients to treat themselves with TCM only?	No.
(5) Is there a limit to what TCM can cure?	Yes, and this is due to the TCM practitioners’  inability to use advanced Western medical equipment.
(6) Do you advise your patients that it is safe to use TCM with their prescription drugs?	Yes.
(7) How do you advise your patients to take both TCM and western prescription drugs concurrently safely? Is there a guideline?	Guidelines are to use TCM and Western medicine at different times. An interval of 2 hours is recommended.
(8) Under what circumstances would you advise a patient to seek the help of a Western trained medical doctor?	Under emergency situation, advice should be to seek help from Western medical doctors.

Notes:

·            Most licensed TCM practitioners refused to be interviewed.

·            Called up 5 TCM practitioners and only 2 agreed to be interviewed but again under conditions of anonymity.

·            Called up Eu Yan Sang and they also flatly refused to be interviewed for the purpose of school projects.