To the editor:
Dr. Forfa in his June 26 letter states that, "medicine in its ideal form is an institution that knows no political, religious or private beliefs." I agree that politics has no place in medicine. But the opposite is true regarding religious and cultural beliefs.
Medicine is an art and a science practiced by physicians who have integral cultural, religious and moral beliefs. For us to keep these values away from the care of our patients is to behave without integrity. I certainly expect more than that from myself (and from anyone who claims to be part of a civilized society) -- even in much lesser endeavors. Nothing is more harmful to medicine and to society at large than this idea.
Medicine is above politics. But it is not amoral.
Thao Minh Truong, M.D.
Junction, Texas
